US Imposes Travel Restrictions Amid Ebola Concerns

On 18 May 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security introduced enhanced travel screening, entry restrictions, and public health measures to prevent Ebola virus disease from entering the United States. The measures were issued under a Title 42 order and apply to travellers linked to outbreak areas in East and Central Africa.

Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by viruses in the genus Ebolavirus. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals, and it has caused outbreaks in several African countries since its identification in 1976.

Travel Restriction Framework

The restrictions temporarily suspend entry into the United States for 30 days for non-U.S. passport holders who have been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan during the previous 21 days. The measures do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents returning from Ebola outbreak areas.

Public Health Screening and Monitoring

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is increasing public health screening and traveller monitoring for individuals arriving from affected areas in East and Central Africa. The agency is also coordinating with airlines, international partners, and port-of-entry officials to identify travellers who may have been exposed to Ebola.

Important Facts for Exams

• The World Health Organization uses the term Public Health Emergency of International Concern for events that require coordinated international response under the International Health Regulations.
• Ebola Bundibugyo virus is one of the species within the genus Ebolavirus.
• Title 42 is a provision of the United States Code that has been used for public health-related border measures.
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda have both reported Ebola cases linked to travel from the DRC in 2026.

Current Outbreak Status

As of 18 May 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 11 confirmed cases, 336 suspected cases, and 88 deaths. Uganda has reported 2 confirmed cases, including 1 death, in individuals who travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

International Health Alert

On 17 May 2026, an American exposed while working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo tested positive for Ebola Bundibugyo disease and was moved to Germany for treatment and care. The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda one day before the United States restrictions.