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Trump Concerned as Ebola Spreads; US Implements Travel Restrictions
20 May
Summary
- A new Ebola strain with no vaccine or treatment has emerged.
- The outbreak has infected hundreds, with over 500 suspected cases reported.
- The US has implemented travel restrictions for individuals from affected areas.
President Donald Trump stated he is "concerned" about the deadly Ebola outbreak that has affected the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding regions. This outbreak involves a strain of the virus for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or treatment, though supportive care is considered lifesaving. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation a "public health emergency of international concern" due to its scale and speed.
As of May 19, over 500 suspected cases and 130 suspected deaths were reported by the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Health. U.S. officials confirmed that no Ebola cases had been confirmed within the United States. However, one American missionary who tested positive for the outbreak strain is being evacuated to Germany for medical attention.
To mitigate the risk, U.S. authorities have enacted travel and entry restrictions for non-citizens who have recently visited Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. The WHO noted that despite the international concern, the outbreak did not yet meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.
