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Thailand Quarantines Congo Travelers for 21 Days
25 May
Summary
- Thailand implemented a strict 21-day quarantine for travelers from Congo and Uganda.
- The WHO declared the Bundibugyo Ebola strain a global health emergency.
- Three Red Cross volunteers died in Congo from Ebola.
- The outbreak in Congo is showing signs of worsening.
Thailand has reinforced its Ebola screening protocols for individuals arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. A stringent 21-day quarantine period is now mandated for all travelers from these nations, irrespective of whether they exhibit symptoms.
This decision was prompted by the World Health Organization's declaration on May 17, 2026, classifying the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern. This particular strain lacks an approved vaccine or treatment.
Thailand has officially designated Congo and Uganda as Ebola-affected zones. Advisories from a technical committee to the Department of Disease Control recommended quarantine for asymptomatic arrivals from both African countries.
The Director of Thailand's Department of Disease Control, Dr. Montein Kanasawadse, indicated that the Congo outbreak is escalating, leading several nations to enhance their traveler surveillance.
Globally, over 900 suspected Ebola cases have been identified in Congo, with 101 confirmed as of May 22, 2026. Thailand had recorded eight arrivals from Uganda and two from Congo, all asymptomatic, who were then quarantined.
Meanwhile, in Congo, three Red Cross volunteers succumbed to the virus, likely through handling infected bodies. These volunteers, who had been serving in Ituri province, died between May 5 and May 16, 2026.
