US Issues Urgent Travel Advisory Over Ebola Outbreak in Africa

The United States of America government has issued urgent travel advisories against several African countries following the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in the region.

Advisories affect the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and Rwanda amid rising health concerns and worsening security situations.

In a statement released by the U.S Department of State Consular Affairs, American citizens are advised against traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan, while travelers were urged to reconsider travel plans to Rwanda.

“The Department of State strongly urges Americans not to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, or Uganda for any reason and to reconsider travel to Rwanda due to the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus disease outbreak in the region,” the department stated.

“The Department’s Travel Advisories for DRC, South Sudan, and Uganda are now Level 4 – Do Not Travel, and the Travel Advisory for Rwanda is Level 3 – Reconsider Travel,” the statement added.

Ebola Outbreak Triggers Global Concern

The advisory noted that the DRC’s status was elevated from Level 3 to Level 4 due to the Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province.

According to the advisory, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Ebola in the DRC on May 15.

Two days later, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

“Outbreaks of serious infectious diseases are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the advisory stated.

The U.S government further warned that healthcare systems in the DRC remain inadequate, with poor hygiene standards, unregulated pharmacies, and potentially unsafe medication supplies posing serious risks to visitors.

Security Risks Across Democratic Republic of Congo

Beyond the Ebola outbreak, the advisory highlighted worsening insecurity across the DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces, where armed conflict continues between government forces and rebel groups.

The statement indicated that the M23 armed group currently occupies major cities, including Goma and Bukavu.

“Violent crime is common throughout the Kivu provinces. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging,” the advisory stated.

In Ituri Province, authorities cited persistent violence, including ambushes, kidnappings, and attacks against civilians and aid workers.

U.S personnel working in the country reportedly require special authorization before traveling outside Kinshasa due to security threats.

Uganda Faces Terrorism And Unrest Concerns

Uganda was also placed under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory due to health risks, violent crime, terrorism, and political unrest.

The advisory stated that violent crimes, including armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, remain a major concern across Uganda, particularly in urban areas and border regions.

“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Uganda,” the statement warned.

The advisory additionally referenced Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, warning that the law criminalizes same-sex relations and imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty.

Also Read: Nigeria, Rwanda Issue Directives After WHO Declares Ebola Global Health Emergency 

South Sudan Advisory Highlights Kidnappings

South Sudan was also categorized under Level 4 due to unrest, violent crime, kidnapping threats, landmines, and health concerns.

“Violent crime is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. This includes carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings,” the statement noted.

U.S officials further warned that journalists face harassment and deadly risks while operating in South Sudan without official government authorization.

The advisory also highlighted the danger posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance, which continue causing deaths annually across different regions of the country.

Also Read: Govt Issues Warning to Kenyans After WHO Declares Ebola a Global Health Emergency

Rwanda Placed Under Reconsider Travel Category

Rwanda remained under a Level 3 advisory, with the U.S government urging citizens to reconsider travel due to crime, unrest, and health risks linked to the Ebola outbreak in neighboring countries.

Authorities specifically warned travelers against visiting areas within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the DRC because of ongoing instability and armed conflict nearby.

“There is an increased risk of crime in Rwanda. This includes petty crime like pickpocketing or purse snatching, as well as violent crime like mugging, armed robbery, or assault,” the advisory stated.

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Health Officials Conduct Screening at Border Points and Have Intensified Surveillance
PHOTO/WHO