The United States has designated a second airport for enhanced Ebola screening as the number of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to rise sharply. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Saturday that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will now serve as an additional entry point for screening Americans returning from the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan.
Expansion of Screening Measures
Hartsfield-Jackson has previously been used for screening passengers and has established operational procedures in place, according to the CDC. This expansion comes after Washington's Dulles International Airport was designated earlier this week to screen returning citizens for the Ebola virus.
Enhanced public health entry screening is one component of the CDC's comprehensive Ebola approach, which also includes overseas exit screening, airline illness reporting, and post-arrival public health monitoring. These measures are designed to detect and respond to potential cases quickly and effectively.
Current Outbreak Situation
The World Health Organization reports that there have been 82 confirmed cases in the DRC so far, with seven confirmed deaths. Additionally, there have been 177 suspected deaths and nearly 750 suspected cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The outbreak has raised international concern, prompting the Trump administration to take further action.
Earlier this week, the administration banned non-citizens who had traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the United States. This travel ban is part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of the virus across borders.
The CDC continues to work closely with international partners, including the WHO and local health authorities, to monitor the situation and implement appropriate public health measures. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and health recommendations.
