Countries Impose Travel Restrictions in Response to Ebola Outbreak

Several countries have implemented travel bans and border restrictions to contain the spread of a rare strain of the Ebola virus, known as Bundibugyo (BVD). The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 10 confirmed deaths and 220 suspected deaths from the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with an additional 900 suspected cases since May 15. In Uganda, five cases and one death have been confirmed.

The United Nations’ health agency has raised its risk assessment for DRC to “very high” at the national level but maintains a lower risk assessment globally. In response, several countries have taken action to prevent the spread of the disease. The Congolese Ministry of Transport and Communications has suspended all flights to and from Bunia in eastern DRC.

Canada and the Bahamas have introduced temporary travel bans for residents of the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals who have been in affected areas will be required to quarantine for 21 days starting May 30. The Bahamian government has also implemented entry restrictions that will remain in place for 30 days.

The US has banned non-citizens who have traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days from entering the country. US citizens who have traveled to affected countries are advised to return to the US via selected airports with enhanced screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended this ban to green card holders who have been in those countries in the previous 21 days.

No Ebola cases have been reported in Canada, the Bahamas, or the US. The Bundibugyo strain is a rare and highly fatal species of the Ebola virus that spreads through close physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

Source: Al Jazeera