The United States(US) government has extended its temporary Ebola-related travel restrictions covering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan for another 30 days, as health officials continue monitoring the outbreak of the deadly virus in Central Africa.
The latest order, issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maintains measures intended to prevent the virus from entering the country through international travel.
According to the CDC, the restrictions apply to certain foreign nationals who have been physically present in any of the three African countries within the previous 21 days.
The latest extension will remain in effect for 30 days as American authorities continue assessing the public health risks associated with the outbreak.
The decision highlights growing concerns about the possibility of Ebola spreading across international borders, particularly in regions where communities frequently travel between neighbouring countries.
Why the US Is Maintaining the Travel Restrictions
In its latest order, the CDC said the measures were necessary to protect public health amid the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
The agency first introduced the restrictions in May 2026 and has subsequently renewed them several times, with the latest extension taking effect on October 11.
The CDC has pointed to the continued risk of introducing the virus into the United States as authorities work to strengthen surveillance, testing, contact tracing and other containment measures.
However, the agency has also clarified that the restrictions do not amount to a blanket ban on everyone travelling from the three countries.
The measures target specific categories of travellers based on their recent travel history and immigration status, rather than nationality alone.
According to the CDC’s published guidance, US citizens and nationals are subject to different requirements, while travellers who qualify to enter may face additional health screening depending on where they have recently travelled.
These distinctions are important because the restrictions affect international travel arrangements, including airline boarding and the airports through which certain passengers can enter the United States.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
If you like our work, you can buy us a soda
Buy us a soda š„¤
