According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers arriving from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan are now subject to additional health screenings.
Restrictions have also been introduced for some foreign travelers who have recently stayed in the affected areas.
Authorities are working with airlines and airports to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.
At the same time, contact tracing and laboratory testing efforts have been strengthened.
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Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Ebola outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. According to the CDC, there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for this variant.
As of May 18, authorities had recorded 11 confirmed cases and 336 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 88 deaths have also been reported.
A group of Americans considered to be at high risk of infection has been flown to Germany, where they are now being monitored by health authorities.
Germany was chosen because of the country’s experience in treating Ebola patients.
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American doctor infected
It has now been confirmed that American surgeon Peter Stafford contracted Ebola while working in the city of Bunia in the eastern part of the country.
He has worked for the mission organization Serge since 2023.
According to HealthDay, he developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive on Sunday. He is now receiving treatment in Germany.
Sources: HealthDay, CDC, and Serge.
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