On 25/5, the Ugandan government closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for four weeks, implementing a 21-day quarantine for all arrivals. This decision followed a 17/5 warning from the World Health Organization (WHO), which declared the Ebola outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain in the DRC, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Health officials have reported over 900 suspected cases and 220 deaths in the DRC epicenter, raising concerns about the virus spreading to neighboring countries.
In the United States, Washington authorities have banned entry for foreign nationals and green card holders who have visited the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is redirecting passengers at Washington Dulles and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airports. The agency is also bringing all U.S. citizens returning from affected regions to designated areas for temperature checks and medical monitoring.
Similarly, Canada implemented a 90-day entry ban for individuals arriving from these three nations starting 26/5. Additionally, Canadian citizens and permanent residents are required to undergo a 21-day quarantine beginning 30/5.
Mexico's Health Minister, David Kershenovich, also tightened airport screening procedures, advising citizens to avoid travel to the DRC and requiring a 21-day quarantine for passengers arriving from affected areas.
In the Caribbean, the Bahamas has suspended entry for individuals from the three African nations for 30 days. The Cayman Islands immediately enhanced screening protocols after identifying two passengers who had recently returned from the DRC.
In Asia, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health designated Suvarnabhumi Airport as the sole entry point for passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda. The agency mandates a 21-day quarantine for asymptomatic individuals and directs suspected cases to treatment facilities.
India swiftly deployed surveillance systems at major entry points, advising its citizens to limit travel to affected regions.
In the Middle East, Jordan and Bahrain have ceased accepting passengers from African countries experiencing the outbreak. Among neighboring nations, Kenya's Ministry of Health activated border quarantine facilities and tasked the National Public Health Institute with enhancing screening.
In contrast to the global trend, the European Union (EU) Health Security Committee has not implemented control measures for passengers arriving from the DRC and Uganda. This decision stems from their assessment that the risk of community transmission within the continent remains low.
Global health officials have yet to discover a preventive vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo Ebola variant. This virus strain transmits from fruit bats to humans and then spreads rapidly within communities through direct contact with blood or body fluids via scratched skin, or by touching bodies during burial rituals. Patients typically incubate the virus for two to 21 days, often experiencing a sudden onset of fever, malaise, and muscle pain before rapidly progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure, and kidney failure.
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Red Cross personnel disinfect at Rwampara General Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo, before handling the body of an Ebola victim, on 21/5. Photo: Gradel Muyisa Mumbere/Reuters |
Red Cross personnel disinfect at Rwampara General Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo, before handling the body of an Ebola victim, on 21/5. Photo: Gradel Muyisa Mumbere/Reuters
In response to the situation, Vietnam's Ministry of Health has issued a warning and prepared for a potential outbreak. Authorities advise the public not to panic. Individuals returning from affected regions should proactively self-quarantine and monitor their health for 21 days. To date, Vietnam has not recorded any Ebola cases. The Ministry of Health assesses a low risk of Ebola entering and spreading in the country, as the virus primarily transmits through direct contact.
By Binh Minh (Reuters)
