American Diagnosed with Ebola in DRC; US Strengthens Airport Health Screenings
In response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the U.S. CDC has announced enhanced measures, including screening airline passengers from the affected region and suspending visa services. This follows the WHO's declaration of the outbreak as a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern." While the immediate risk to the U.S. public is deemed low, the situation is being closely monitored.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 04:15
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 04:31 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 19, 2026 at 04:33 (1 min after Collected)
(CNA, Washington, 18th) Amid an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced that one American has been diagnosed, while also declaring strengthened preventive measures, including screening airline passengers from the affected region and suspending visa services in the area. As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced these measures, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern." According to AFP, the CDC issued a statement saying, "At this time, the CDC assesses the immediate risk to the U.S. general public as low, but we will continue to assess the evolving situation and may adjust public health measures as more information becomes available." In addition to airport screenings, the CDC stated it would impose entry restrictions on non-U.S. passport holders who have traveled to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, announced it has suspended all visa services and notified affected applicants. The CDC also added that one American in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been confirmed to be infected with the Ebola virus. The CDC stated over the weekend that it is working to coordinate the "safe evacuation of a small number of U.S. citizens directly affected by this outbreak." Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. formally withdrew from the World Health Organization this year. CDC officials emphasized that they are cooperating with international partners and health officials in the affected countries. (Compiled by: Liu Shu-qin) 1150519