DHS announces Ebola outbreak flight arrival restrictions for DRC, Uganda, South Sudan

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced new arrival restrictions for flights coming from Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. All flights, except those operated by the Pentagon, departing after 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday carrying passengers who have been in these countries within 21 days of entry into the U.S. will be required to land at Washington-Dulles Airport in Virginia for enhanced public health measures.

As of Wednesday, the Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has resulted in 139 suspected deaths and nearly 600 suspected cases. Cases have been reported in urban areas including Goma and Bunia, as well as in Kampala, Uganda. Health workers have also been affected by the outbreak.

While South Sudan has not reported any confirmed cases, it is considered high risk due to its close proximity to affected areas, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cross-border population movement. The outbreak was first identified in the DRC’s Ituri province and marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) convened an emergency committee following the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The committee determined that the outbreak did not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.

The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of Ebola with no approved vaccines or therapeutics. Case fatality rates for previous Bundibugyo outbreaks have ranged from 30% to 50%. An American doctor, Dr. Peter Stafford, who contracted the disease while working in the DRC, is now hospitalized in Berlin.

The CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is deploying technical experts to the region. Entry restrictions have been introduced for non-U.S. passport holders who have been in the affected countries within the previous 21 days. The overall risk to the U.S. public remains low.

In conclusion, the Ebola outbreak in the region continues to be a significant concern, and measures are being taken to prevent its spread. It is important to stay informed and follow public health guidelines to protect against the disease.