HEALTH

United States expands Ebola screenings at major airports

▪

Read, Watch or Listen

United States expands Ebola screenings at major airports

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 2

Center 100%

Sources: 2

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, has launched expanded mandatory public health entry screenings at three major international airports in response to a rapidly growing Ebola outbreak in East and Central Africa. Effective immediately, all passengers who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days must enter the United States through Washington Dulles, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, or Houston George Bush Intercontinental. Airlines have been ordered to reroute affected travelers, who are then escorted to dedicated quarantine and screening zones upon arrival.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Recent weeks Ebola outbreak accelerates in Africa
Recently CDC and DHS coordinate response measures
Recently U.S. designates three screening airports
Recently Airlines instructed to rebook affected passengers
Upon arrival Passengers routed to separate areas
Upon arrival Federal officers escort screened travelers
Immediately New quarantine and screening zones established

Why This Matters to You

Your travel plans might be affected if you've recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. You'll now have to enter the U.S. through specific airports. There, you'll be escorted to quarantine and screening zones. Check your flight status and be prepared for potential reroutes.

The Bottom Line

This is a serious effort to prevent Ebola from spreading in the U.S. It's about public health safety, not fear. If you know someone traveling from these regions, remind them about the new protocols. Worth forwarding if you have friends or family in affected areas.