A new requirement has been imposed on travelers to the US due to the epidemic in Congo
Starting November 3, completing a health declaration will become mandatory for those flying to the US. This is related to the virus that has caused the deaths of more than 4.6 thousand people in the Congo. Passengers must confirm that they have not been to the Congo in the last 21 days. Transit through a Congo airport is also considered as having been in the country.
New requirement introduced for passengers flying to the US due to epidemic in the Congo
Starting from November 3, all passengers flying to the US from abroad, including those in transit, are required to complete a special health declaration. This was reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Under the new rules, every passenger must officially confirm that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the last 21 days. Those who fail to comply with the requirements may be denied boarding, restricted from future flights, and face criminal liability.
According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus continues in the DRC. As of October 20, a total of 9,704 cases of infection and 4,687 deaths (a fatality rate of 48.3%) have been recorded in the country.
The virus is also spreading across the region: 9 cases (1 death) have been identified in Kenya, while in Nigeria, the disease was found in 1 person who arrived from another country. The WHO recommends against imposing restrictions on trade or travel with affected countries.