The United States announced on Monday, May 18, a reinforcement of health checks at the border against the Ebola virus, which has infected an American in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made these announcements as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC an international health emergency.
Washington will implement health checks for air travelers from affected areas and temporarily restrict visa issuance for foreigners who have traveled to these zones. An American contracted the virus while working in the DRC, the CDC said. Efforts are underway to repatriate a small number of Americans directly affected by the outbreak.
The individual developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive late Sunday. Preparations are being made to transfer him to Germany for treatment. The CDC currently assesses the immediate risk to the American population as low, but they will continue to evaluate the situation and may adjust public health measures based on new information.
In addition to airport checks, the CDC announced entry restrictions for foreigners who have traveled to Uganda, the DRC, or South Sudan in the last 21 days. The US Embassy in Kampala temporarily suspended all visa services for affected individuals.
There is no specific vaccine or treatment for the highly contagious strain responsible for the current Ebola outbreak. According to the DRC Health Minister, Samuel-Roger Kamba, 91 deaths are linked to the recent increase in cases. Approximately 350 suspected cases have been reported, with most infected individuals aged 20 to 39. The United States, under President Donald Trump, officially withdrew from the WHO this year.
