“Enhanced Ebola Screening At Dulles” — US Orders Travellers From DRC, Uganda, South Sudan To Pass Through Washington Airport

The United States has ordered travellers who recently visited Ebola outbreak countries in Africa to pass through Washington Dulles International Airport for enhanced public health screening.

The directive applies to U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States.

The State Department issued the advisory on Thursday, stating that affected travellers must undergo enhanced screening by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Customs and Border Protection.

The move follows a deadly Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, which prompted the World Health Organisation to declare a public health emergency of international concern on Sunday. South Sudan borders both countries.

Earlier on Monday, the CDC barred foreign passport holders from entering the United States if they had been in any of the three affected countries within the previous 21 days.

Under the latest order, some international flights will be rerouted to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia to allow passengers to undergo Ebola screening. The Department of Homeland Security said all travellers who have recently been in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan must land at Dulles, including U.S. citizens.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin issued the order on Wednesday night, and it will remain in effect until further notice.

Health officials said at least 130 people have died in the current outbreak. Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids.

The order excludes crew members and cargo-only flights.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said it was working with federal partners to support CDC-led measures affecting international flights arriving at Dulles Airport.

“The Airports Authority is working with federal partners to support efforts led by the Centers for Disease Control affecting various international flights arriving at Dulles Airport. This includes providing staff and public safety resources as needed. We are not expecting any significant impacts on airport customers,” MWAA said.

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