The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced a temporary emergency order restricting the entry of certain non-U.S. travelers from Ebola outbreak-affected areas in Central and East Africa.
The 30-day measure follows growing concerns over a resurgence of Ebola cases linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Signed by CDC Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the order aims to reduce international travel-related health risks while allowing American citizens, lawful permanent residents, military personnel, and essential government staff to continue entering the United States.
Under the directive, non-U.S. travelers who have recently been in the DRC, Uganda, or high-risk areas of South Sudan within the last 21 days may face temporary entry restrictions.
Health officials say the move is intended to ease pressure on U.S. airport screening systems, quarantine stations, laboratories, and contact-tracing resources while authorities strengthen preparedness measures.
The CDC stressed that the policy is not a blanket shutdown and includes humanitarian and public health exceptions, as well as case-by-case approvals by customs officials.
Federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State are collaborating on implementation plans at major international airports such as New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX).
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC continue containment efforts in affected African countries as investigations into the outbreak intensify.
U.S. health authorities say the temporary restrictions will also provide time to improve surveillance systems, strengthen diagnostic capacity, and develop a longer-term containment strategy for the Ebola threat.
