New York : The United States has imposed temporary travel restrictions after a worsening Eloba outbreak in parts of Africa killed more than 100 people and raised fears of further spread.
The outbreak was first reported in Democratic Republic of Congo before cases began appearing in neighbouring Uganda. With infections continuing to rise, US authorities said stricter screening and travel measures were necessary.
Officials stressed that the restrictions are precautionary, adding that the risk inside the US remains low at the moment. American citizens returning from affected countries will still be allowed to enter but may undergo additional medical checks.
Health workers are facing major challenges in containing the outbreak, especially in remote areas with limited medical facilities. The situation has become more complicated because the virus involved is a rare strain of Ebola for which there is no widely approved vaccine.
The World Health Organization has urged countries to stay alert as effort continue to stop the spread. Ebola spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person and can become fatal if not treated quickly. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting and severe weakness.