Ebola Cases in Congo Exceed 2,000; U.S. Tightens Entry Rules

The deadly Ebola virus continues its spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with official government data from Kinshasa showing a rise to 2,011 confirmed cases. Of those infected, 754 have died. The current outbreak, particularly in the Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele provinces, is proving exceptionally difficult to bring under control.

Compounding the challenge is the absence of a vaccine or specific therapy for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, although development of a vaccine is underway. Experts anticipate the outbreak could persist into the coming year. The virus transmits through close contact and bodily fluids, and is considered life-threatening.

In response to the escalating situation, the United States has tightened its entry regulations. U.S. citizens currently in the DRC will no longer be permitted direct re-entry into the United States. They must first spend a minimum of 21 days in a third country before being allowed back into the U.S. to prevent the potential spread of the infection.