Nicolai Haugsted
Travellers from several countries will as of today find it harder to enter the United States.
American health authorities are tightening border controls after a growing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa triggered renewed fears about international spread.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that the United States will immediately introduce temporary entry restrictions tied to travelers connected to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Measures arrive as Ebola cases and deaths continue climbing across affected regions.
New restrictions take effect immediately
People who are citizens of the three countries will temporarily be barred from entering the United States under the new rules.
American citizens, permanent residents and US nationals who recently traveled through the affected countries will still be allowed to return home, though they now face significantly tougher screening procedures upon arrival.
According to the CDC, the restrictions will initially remain in place for 30 days while officials complete a broader public health risk assessment.
Authorities say the goal is to reduce the chance of Ebola reaching the US population.
Travelers face health checks and monitoring
Anyone permitted to enter the country after recent travel to Congo, Uganda or South Sudan will undergo enhanced medical screening at airports.
CDC officials say travelers will answer questions about symptoms and travel history while also undergoing temperature checks using non-contact thermometers.
Medical staff will additionally observe passengers for visible signs of illness.
People showing no symptoms will still be instructed to monitor their health for 21 days after leaving affected regions.
Travelers displaying possible signs of infection will receive additional medical evaluation and may be transferred directly to hospitals for isolation and further testing.
Trump reacts to outbreak fears
Donald Trump addressed the situation while speaking to reporters this week and acknowledged growing concern surrounding the outbreak.
“I’m concerned about everything, but certainly [I] am [concerned],” Trump said.
“I think that it’s been confined right now to Africa, but it’s something that has had a breakout.”
Health officials continue stressing that no confirmed Ebola cases currently exist inside the United States and that overall risk to the American public remains low.
Death toll continues rising
Current outbreak began on April 24 in Bunia, located in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
World Health Organization figures previously listed eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected infections and 80 deaths as of mid-May.
More recent reports from Congolese health authorities now place the outbreak at 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases.
Symptoms can appear weeks later
Ebola virus disease is a rare but extremely serious infection spread through contact with bodily fluids from infected humans or wild animals.
Symptoms can appear anywhere between two and 21 days after infection.
Early signs often resemble severe flu and include high fever, extreme exhaustion and headaches.
Other symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, skin rashes, muscle pain and sore throat.
More severe cases may involve yellowing of the skin and eyes, widespread bruising, bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose or mouth, blood in vomit or stool, and bleeding from gums or the vagina.
Global health authorities continue monitoring the outbreak closely while governments review additional containment measures.
