The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced temporary emergency travel restrictions targeting parts of Central and East Africa following a growing Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain.
The 30-day emergency order is aimed at preventing the spread of the disease into the United States while allowing health authorities to strengthen surveillance, screening, and response systems.
Under the directive signed by CDC Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, certain non-U.S. travellers who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, or high-risk areas of South Sudan within the past 21 days will face temporary entry restrictions.
American citizens, lawful permanent residents, military personnel, and key government workers are exempt from the restrictions.
The CDC explained that the move was designed to reduce pressure on airport screening systems, quarantine facilities, laboratories, and contact-tracing teams as authorities monitor the evolving outbreak.
Health officials stressed that the measure should not be viewed as a sign of a domestic Ebola crisis in the United States but rather as a precautionary effort to strengthen preparedness and minimise risks.
Authorities said limiting the number of potentially exposed international travellers would allow public health agencies to focus resources on monitoring returning U.S. citizens and residents more effectively during the virus’s 21-day incubation period.
The emergency action follows rising concern over confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC and Uganda, where health agencies are intensifying containment efforts.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no fully licensed vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.
The CDC noted that humanitarian considerations were factored into the policy, with provisions allowing special travel exemptions under strict public health protocols.
Officials said exemptions could also be granted on humanitarian, law enforcement, or public health grounds following assessment by immigration and customs authorities.
To ensure coordinated implementation, the CDC said it had been working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and other federal agencies.
Enhanced enforcement and screening measures are expected at major international airports, including New York, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and regional health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak in affected African countries through surveillance, rapid response operations, and public awareness campaigns.
The U.S. government said the temporary restrictions would also allow experts to conduct further risk assessments on the Ebola strain, improve domestic preparedness systems, and develop a broader long-term containment strategy.
In addition, the CDC has opened a 30-day public comment period to gather feedback on future measures aimed at strengthening national health security and epidemic response planning.
