Trump admin to block Ebola-exposed Americans from US, move them to Kenya

Source: Ars Technica

Background

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to spread, outpacing international response efforts to contain the deadly Bundibugyo virus strain. First announced on May 15, it is already the third‑largest recorded outbreak. The World Health Organization’s latest numbers (as of May 24) report 1,018 cases (906 suspected, 112 confirmed) and 234 deaths (223 suspected, 11 confirmed). These figures are believed to be a significant undercount and are likely outdated.

The WHO and other national health agencies are calling for international support and collaboration to bring the outbreak under control. However, the United States appears to be focusing on restricting travel, even for its own citizens and lawful residents.

Travel Ban Expansion

On Friday, the Trump administration announced an escalation of its controversial travel ban, now barring lawful permanent residents (green‑card holders) from entering the United States if they have traveled to the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. This restriction is in addition to the existing ban on non‑U.S. passport holders with the same travel history.

Note: Uganda has reported only seven cases and one death, and there have been no reported cases in South Sudan.

CDC Airport Screening Efforts

On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is attempting to strengthen airport screening for Ebola. The agency, currently without a director and facing staffing, budget, and leadership challenges, is struggling to find personnel for the screenings.

Jay Bhattacharya, the official overseeing the CDC, sent an email to staff asking volunteers—regardless of pay grade—to take travelers’ temperatures and ask screening questions.

Planned Quarantine Facility in Kenya

Also on Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration plans to continue blocking American citizens from repatriation if they have been exposed to or infected with Ebola. Instead, the U.S. is working to establish a quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya. In previous Ebola outbreaks, U.S. citizens were repatriated, a practice that President Trump had criticized.