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Health Officials Track Ebola, Mpox, and Vibrio Cases Ahead of Summer Travel
Public health officials are monitoring an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, a localized mpox increase in Boston, and new Vibrio infections in Florida as summer travel begins. Entry rules for travelers from affected regions have been tightened.
May 31, 6:16 PM·1m read1 source
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Public health officials are tracking three separate infectious-disease developments that coincide with the start of peak summer travel. The outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain and is occurring in conflict-affected areas.
The U.S. government has barred foreign nationals who recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan from entering the country for 30 days. Returning U.S. citizens face enhanced screening and a mandatory 21-day symptom-monitoring period.
State health officials reported 77 mpox cases in Boston between August 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, even as national case counts declined. The increase has occurred while vaccination rates have plateaued. Mpox spreads mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated surfaces.
Officials note that large summer gatherings could accelerate transmission among unvaccinated individuals.
Florida health officials have confirmed five Vibrio vulnificus cases this year in Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee, Palm Beach, and St. Johns counties as of May 23. One case involved a 74-year-old resident of St. Johns County. The bacterium thrives in warm coastal and brackish waters. Officials advise avoiding these waters with open wounds and using food-safety precautions with raw seafood.
Officials are also managing a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship that has killed multiple passengers and sickened others across several countries.
