As Ebola Spreads, Nations Tighten Borders and Travel Rules
A fresh outbreak of a rare Ebola strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has triggered a wave of travel restrictions as governments try to contain the virus. The World Health Organization reports ten confirmed deaths and 220 suspected fatalities from the Bundibugyo strain since mid-May, with over 900 suspected cases in the DRC. Uganda has confirmed five cases and one death.
The WHO raised its risk assessment to “very high” for the DRC, though it still considers the global threat low. Still, several countries aren't waiting. The DRC itself suspended all flights to and from Bunia, a hard-hit eastern city, except for humanitarian and medical missions. Uganda halted direct flights, bus travel, and boat crossings for four weeks, and paused weekly border markets. Freight and essential goods can still move.
Further afield, Canada barred residents of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan from entering for 90 days. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who've been in affected areas must quarantine for 21 days, even without symptoms. The Bahamas imposed a 30-day entry ban on the same countries. The United States banned non-citizens who visited those nations in the past 21 days, and recently extended that to green card holders. U.S. citizens returning from affected areas must land at one of three designated airports with enhanced screening. The Trump administration is reportedly planning to set up a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to or infected with the virus.
None of these countries have reported any Ebola cases. The Bundibugyo strain spreads through close contact with blood or bodily fluids, so limiting person-to-person contact helps. WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said responders are racing to catch up after a slow start. “The epidemic is outpacing us,” he admitted, but added: “We know this virus, and we know how to stop it.”
The International Civil Aviation Organization urges countries not to close borders but to focus on exit screening at airports in affected regions. It says international flights remain safe if proper protocols are followed.