On May 19, 2026, the United States government announced new measures to prevent the spread of Ebola, including temporary visa restrictions for individuals who have recently traveled to Ebola-affected countries in Africa. The move comes after a doctor tested positive for the virus upon returning to the U.S. from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to official statements.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement enhanced health screenings for air travelers arriving from several African nations where Ebola outbreaks have been reported. These screenings will include temperature checks and health questionnaires. The visa restrictions apply to foreign nationals who have been in the DRC or other affected regions within the past 21 days, with limited exceptions for humanitarian and medical personnel.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC, with cases also reported in neighboring countries. As of May 2026, the WHO has not declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), but the U.S. measures are a precautionary step. The doctor who tested positive is receiving treatment in a specialized isolation unit, and contact tracing is underway.
These actions mirror similar protocols used during previous Ebola outbreaks, such as the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel alert for the DRC, advising travelers to practice enhanced precautions.
