The US on Thursday imposed new entry restrictions for American citizens and permanent residents arriving from three African countries following an Ebola outbreak.
The travel advisory said that, effective May 21, "all US-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced screening."
It said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will "apply enhanced public health screening" at the airport in response to the Ebola outbreak.
The statement noted that the Dulles requirement applies to all passengers, including US citizens and lawful permanent residents, who had recently been present in the three countries.
Possible flight changes, cancellations
Americans were also advised to prepare for possible flight changes or cancellations as authorities implement the new measures.
According to the World Health Organization, 51 Ebola cases have so far been confirmed in DR Congo, particularly in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, including in the cities of Bunia and Goma.
Uganda has also reported two confirmed cases in its capital, Kampala, including the death of a person who had travelled from DR Congo.
The latest outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain, one of several viruses capable of causing Ebola disease, according to the WHO.
Higher fatality rate
Ebola symptoms include fever, muscle pain, rash and in some cases, bleeding. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, including through handling contaminated materials or contact with someone who has died from the disease.
The fatality rate associated with the Bundibugyo strain is estimated to be between 25% and 40%, according to Doctors Without Borders.
By comparison, the estimated global fatality rate for COVID-19 was significantly lower — generally remaining below 1% overall.
