Canada and the Bahamas have announced temporary travel restrictions targeting several African countries as governments move to contain the perceived risk of Ebola transmission following a new outbreak in the region.
The measures come amid growing international concern after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, citing the potential for cross-border spread of the virus.
Canada said it would impose a 90-day ban on residents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, effective Wednesday. The restrictions are aimed at reducing the risk of Ebola entering Canadian territory, according to public health authorities.
Under the new rules, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and other exempt travellers who have recently visited affected countries will be required to undergo a 21-day quarantine if they are asymptomatic, beginning May 30.
In the Caribbean, The Bahamas also introduced entry restrictions, announcing a 30-day ban on residents from the same three countries, alongside enhanced screening procedures for incoming travellers with recent travel history to affected regions.
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The Bahamian government said the restrictions would take effect immediately and remain subject to review by its health ministry.
The announcements follow similar actions by other countries, including the United States, which has tightened entry rules and expanded screening measures at major airports in response to the outbreak.
Health authorities have urged caution as the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which the WHO has assessed as carrying a high risk of national and regional spread if not contained quickly.
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The virus, which is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, has historically caused severe outbreaks in parts of Central and East Africa, with high fatality rates in previous episodes.
Despite the escalating precautionary measures, no Ebola cases have been reported in North America or the Caribbean.
Public health experts say the current wave of travel restrictions reflects a preventive approach aimed at limiting importation risks rather than responding to confirmed infections abroad.
The United States had earlier imposed similar restrictions on non-citizens who had recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, while also introducing enhanced airport screening protocols for returning citizens.
The coordinated response underscores growing global concern about the outbreak’s trajectory, particularly given increased international travel and the potential for undetected transmission during incubation periods.
The World Health Organization continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with affected countries on containment efforts, surveillance and contact tracing.
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While authorities emphasise that the risk of global spread remains limited with proper controls in place, they have urged countries to maintain vigilance as the situation develops.
