Ebola: US warns citizens against travel to Congo, two others

The United States has significantly heightened its travel warnings for several African nations grappling with an escalating Ebola outbreak. The State Department has now classified the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Uganda as Level 4 destinations, strongly advising U.S. citizens against any travel to these countries. This move reflects serious concerns over the ongoing spread of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.

Furthermore, Rwanda has been placed on Level 3, urging travelers to 'Reconsider Travel.' These updated advisories come in the wake of the World Health Organization's declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17. The outbreak, originating in the DRC's Ituri Province, has already led to hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, with imported cases now confirmed in Uganda.

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The Department of State strongly urges Americans not to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, or Uganda for any reason and to reconsider travel to Rwanda due to the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the region.

The particular concern surrounding the Bundibugyo strain stems from its rarity and the current lack of approved vaccines or specific treatments. Health authorities are working to contain the spread, which occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids and contaminated objects, emphasizing that the virus is not airborne. The U.S. advisories serve as a stark warning to its citizens about the risks associated with travel to the affected regions.

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The Department’s Travel Advisories for DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda are now Level 4 – Do Not Travel, and the Travel Advisory for Rwanda is Level 3 – Reconsider Travel.