As Ebola virus infections emerge in the Central African nation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, CBS News reported on May 17 that at least six Americans in the country have been exposed to the virus, although their infection status remains unclear. According to sources, three of these individuals are considered high-risk contacts, with one showing symptoms. It has not been confirmed whether they are still in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an "international public health emergency" regarding the recent Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. As of May 16, the WHO reported eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province, where the outbreak has surged. This region is located about 1,500 kilometers from the capital, Kinshasa, and borders Uganda. Ituri Province is already designated as a Level 4 travel advisory area by the U.S. government due to risks from armed group activities, kidnappings, murders, and sexual violence.
Additionally, two travelers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo tested positive for Ebola in Uganda's capital, Kampala, with one of them reported dead. According to the BBC, Ugandan authorities confirmed that a 59-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo died while positive for Ebola, and his body has been handed over to Congolese authorities.
The CDC reported that more than 300 suspected cases of Ebola have emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of May 17, with eight confirmed cases through laboratory testing. The agency stated, "We are supporting partner organizations to safely evacuate a small number of Americans directly affected by this outbreak." The CDC also advised Americans traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to avoid contact with anyone exhibiting fever, muscle pain, or rash.
The CDC assessed that the current risk to U.S. citizens from Ebola is low but is closely monitoring the situation. The agency is activating its emergency response center and plans to send additional personnel to its offices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, according to Reuters. However, Dr. Tom Frieden, who led the CDC during the large Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014, warned that this could potentially lead to a serious spread of the virus.
According to the CDC, Ebola virus disease is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or direct contact with infected animals and corpses. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days.
Currently, there are no specific actions from the U.S. government regarding travelers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda. However, if the situation worsens, measures similar to those implemented in 2022, which required travelers who visited Uganda within the last 21 days to enter through five major airports for CDC and Customs and Border Protection inspections, may be considered.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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