The United States has escalated its travel advisories for three African countries due to an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease, urging citizens to avoid travel to the affected nations.
US Department of State, in a statement issued on Tuesday, advised Americans not to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, or Uganda for any reason, elevating those countries to Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The department also raised its advisory for Rwanda to Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
It said, “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 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.”
The updates follow the World Health Organization’s declaration on May 17 of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern for the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which originated in DRC’s northeastern Ituri Province and has spread across borders.
Health authorities report hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, primarily in Ituri Province, with imported cases confirmed in Uganda.
The Bundibugyo strain is relatively rare, with no approved vaccines or specific treatments available, contributing to heightened concern.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated objects, and the virus is not airborne.
Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.
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