A dangerous Ebola outbreak is rapidly spreading across Central Africa today. The Centers for Disease Control closely monitors the evolving situation. The deadly virus recently crossed borders into Uganda.
The United States government implemented strict new entry restrictions quickly. Officials want to prevent the disease from entering America. We compiled the latest verified numbers and safety measures below.
Tracking the Infection Numbers
The outbreak heavily impacts the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC confirms 121 cases and 17 deaths so far. Officials also investigate 1077 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths.
The virus recently reached the Sud Kivu province for the first time. Uganda also reported seven confirmed infections and one tragic fatality. Five of those Ugandan cases link directly to the first two patients.
American Healthcare Worker Infected
The CDC confirms zero Ebola cases exist inside the United States. The overall risk to the American public remains very low.
However, an American healthcare worker contracted the virus on May 17. The worker treated infected patients directly in the DRC. Medical teams flew this infected patient to Germany for specialized treatment. Germany possesses excellent previous experience caring for highly infectious Ebola patients.
Officials also moved several high risk contacts to the Czech Republic.
New Travel Restrictions Enforced
The Department of Homeland Security announced enhanced travel screening immediately. The government actively routes affected air passengers to specific major airports. These include Dulles, Atlanta, Houston, and John F Kennedy airports.
Airlines work directly with travelers to rebook these rerouted flights. The US also placed entry restrictions on non US passport holders. Visitors cannot enter if they visited Uganda or the DRC recently.
Global Medical Support
The CDC provides massive technical assistance to the affected regions. They deploy personnel to support local disease tracking and border screening. They also deliver vital personal protective equipment to local hospitals.
Health departments nationwide prepare to handle potential cases safely. They maintain strict infection prevention protocols for viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Protect your family by staying updated on global medical news and vital travel advisories daily at The WAU.
Share This Post
