U.S. Restricts Entry From Three African Nations Over Ebola Outbreak

The Trump administration is restricting foreign travelers from entering the United States if they have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan in the past 21 days. The order, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, takes effect immediately and will remain in place for 30 days.

It marks the first time the U.S. has imposed a travel ban specifically in response to an Ebola outbreak.

The CDC said the restrictions apply to people without U.S. passports. U.S. citizens, green-card holders, and service members are exempt. The agency will also increase public health screening at ports of entry for travelers from the affected areas. Officials said they will work with airlines and international partners to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

At least 131 people are believed to have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the country's health minister. One death has been reported in neighboring Uganda. The World Health Organization reported more than 500 suspected cases and 130 suspected deaths across the region.

The agency noted that conflict has displaced over 100,000 people in recent months, complicating containment efforts.

The CDC stated the outbreak poses a low immediate risk to the U.S. general public. Officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and may adjust measures as new information becomes available. Six Americans were reported exposed to the virus in Congo, though it remains unclear whether any have been infected.