The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a 30-day order suspending the entry of certain noncitizens who have recently been in parts of Central and East Africa affected by an Ebola outbreak, according to a federal notice published Thursday.
The order, which took effect May 18, applies to individuals who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. The CDC said the action is intended to reduce the risk of introducing Ebola into the United States while officials conduct a broader public health risk assessment.
The agency cited an ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths reported in eastern Congo. Uganda has confirmed imported cases, while South Sudan is considered at high risk due to cross-border movement and limited health infrastructure.
Under the order, U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and certain government personnel are exempt. Additional exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian, public safety or public health reasons, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
The CDC said the suspension is authorized under the Public Health Service Act, which allows the agency to restrict entry of persons from countries where communicable diseases pose a serious threat. Officials said modern air travel and the virus’s incubation period — up to 21 days — increase the likelihood that infected individuals could arrive in the United States without showing symptoms.
Travelers from affected regions often pass through major international hubs with direct connections to U.S. airports, including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, complicating screening efforts, the agency said.
The order will remain in effect for 30 days while the CDC evaluates the outbreak and develops a broader containment strategy. The agency is accepting public comments on the measure through June 22.
Health officials emphasized that the restriction is temporary and aimed at allowing federal, state and local authorities to focus monitoring, testing and contact tracing resources on a smaller number of higher-risk arrivals.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
