Mexican airlines restrict travellers from Ebola-hit Central African countries

Mexican airlines have introduced restrictions on travelers from Central African nations grappling with a deadly Ebola outbreak. Aeromexico, the country's largest airline, announced that entry into Mexico by air is now restricted for travelers who have visited Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), or South Sudan within the past 21 days. Low-cost carriers Viva and Volaris have adopted similar measures, which will remain in effect for 60 days.

These restrictions come as Mexico prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup, with the opening match scheduled for June 11. The DRC, currently facing an Ebola epidemic, has qualified for the tournament and is slated to play its first-round matches in the United States and Mexico. The Congolese team has been training in Belgium and plans to base itself in Houston, Texas, during the competition.

The World Health Organization has reported a significant number of Ebola cases and deaths in the DRC. Since May 15, the organization has recorded 17 confirmed and 223 suspected deaths, stemming from 125 confirmed cases and over 900 suspected cases. The current outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or treatment is currently available.

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Entry into Mexico by air is restricted for travellers who have stayed in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan within the last 21 days.