Health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa have prompted the United States government to tighten its travel restrictions, placing Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under its highest travel warning level.
In an advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs office on July 15, both countries were classified under Level 4, which carries a “Do Not Travel” warning.
The advisory urges Americans to avoid visiting the affected countries for any reason, citing security concerns, health risks, and the limited ability of the U.S. government to assist its citizens in those locations.
According to the State Department, Level 4 is reserved for destinations considered particularly dangerous due to local conditions or situations that may hinder consular support.
The agency stressed that Americans should not travel to such countries because of the risks involved.
The latest advisory also includes South Sudan and the Central African Republic, both of which share borders with areas affected by the Ebola outbreak.
Somalia and Sudan remain on the same highest-level warning list. Kenya, however, was not included among the countries placed under the Level 4 designation.
The development comes as the United States introduces stricter entry requirements for travellers departing from the DRC.
Under the new measures, American citizens leaving the country must first spend 21 days in a third country before being allowed to enter the United States.
Similar restrictions are also being applied to some travellers from Uganda and South Sudan.
The move is aimed at reducing the risk of Ebola spreading across borders as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
However, humanitarian organisations have expressed concern that the policy could discourage American medical personnel from participating in response efforts in the affected regions.
Reuters reported that aid groups fear the restrictions may reduce the number of health workers available to support treatment and containment operations.
The outbreak in the DRC remains one of the most serious in recent history.
The World Health Organization has reported more than 1,900 confirmed cases and over 700 deaths linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Health experts continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to control transmission continue.
The advisory also comes weeks after Kenya halted plans related to the establishment of a U.S.-supported Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.
The project was stopped after a court ruling and public concerns over biosafety issues, bringing the proposed facility to a standstill.
Governments across East and Central Africa continue strengthening surveillance and preparedness measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
