Governments around the world are tightening border controls, imposing travel restrictions and introducing enhanced health screening measures as concerns grow over the spread of Ebola following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The heightened response comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, warning that the risk of the disease spreading to neighbouring countries remains high.
Countries across North America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East have since moved to strengthen surveillance and restrict travel from affected regions, particularly the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan.
The United States has adopted some of the strictest measures. Washington last week barred non-citizens who had recently travelled to the three affected countries from entering the country. The restrictions were later expanded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to include permanent residents who had been in the affected countries within the previous 21 days.
The CDC has also expanded airport screening procedures, adding Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to its list of designated entry points alongside Washington Dulles International Airport. U.S. citizens returning from affected areas are subjected to temperature checks, health assessments and travel history reviews.
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Neighbouring Uganda, which shares a long border with the DRC, announced the temporary closure of its border with the country for four weeks. Authorities said only humanitarian workers, security personnel, Ebola response teams and cargo transporters would be exempt from the restrictions.
Ugandan officials also introduced a mandatory 21-day self-isolation requirement for individuals granted permission to enter from Congo.
Canada has imposed a 90-day ban on residents from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and certain exempt travellers arriving from affected areas will be required to undergo a 21-day quarantine beginning May 30.
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In the Caribbean, the Bahamas announced an immediate 30-day entry ban on residents from the three countries and introduced enhanced health screening procedures for travellers who recently visited the affected regions.
Several Asian countries have also stepped up preventive measures.
India has launched enhanced screening and surveillance operations at airports and other entry points while advising citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the affected countries.
Thailand has designated Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as the sole entry point for travellers arriving from the DRC and Uganda. Arrivals will undergo health screening and may be required to quarantine for at least 21 days. Individuals showing symptoms consistent with Ebola will be placed in isolation.
Kenya, a major regional transport hub in East Africa, has increased screening at high-risk border points and activated isolation facilities to support any potential containment efforts.
Meanwhile, Mexico has strengthened airport screening procedures, advised against non-essential travel to Congo and requested travellers arriving from affected areas to observe a 21-day quarantine period.
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Several Middle Eastern countries have also implemented restrictions.
Jordan suspended the entry of travellers arriving from the DRC and Uganda, while Bahrain announced a 30-day suspension of entry for foreign nationals arriving from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan.
The Cayman Islands introduced enhanced screening measures after two passengers with recent travel history to the DRC arrived on a flight earlier this month.
Despite the growing number of restrictions, European health authorities have adopted a more measured approach.
The European Union’s Health Security Committee said on May 22 that entry screening for travellers arriving from the DRC and Uganda was not currently necessary, citing a low overall risk to the European population.
Health experts continue to stress that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and is not spread through the air. However, authorities remain cautious due to the disease’s high fatality rate and the potential for cross-border transmission through travel.
Governments and international health agencies are expected to continue monitoring the outbreak closely as efforts intensify to contain the virus and prevent a wider regional or global health crisis.
