US Restricts Americans in Congo from Immediate Return Over Ebola Outbreak Concerns

The United States government has temporarily stopped American citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from returning home on commercial flights, citing growing concerns over the country’s Ebola outbreak.

According to a White House official, the restriction was imposed under a transportation authority known as Title 49.

Americans currently in Congo, or those who recently left the country, will reportedly be placed on a “do-not-board” list until they spend at least 21 days in another country before traveling to the US.
The move comes as Ebola cases continue to rise across several provinces in Congo.

Health authorities reported that the outbreak has reached 1,926 confirmed cases, including 702 deaths.
Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Symptoms may include high fever, vomiting, and internal or external bleeding.

The US government said about two dozen Americans who recently traveled to Congo were expected to return but will now receive support from the State Department during the mandatory waiting period.

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. approved the measure after officials warned that the virus had spread to areas only a few hours away from Kinshasa, Congo’s capital.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also confirmed that an American humanitarian worker in Congo tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Another infected US citizen was transferred to Germany for treatment.

The latest restrictions are part of efforts by US authorities to prevent further international spread of the deadly virus.