Ebola Deaths Reach 754, US Bans Entry for Congo Returnees
Washington has imposed new restrictions on the entry of US citizens and nationals returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the rapidly spreading Ebola epidemic in the country.
According to the latest data released by the Congolese Ministry of Health on Wednesday (July 15), a total of 2,011 people have been diagnosed with Ebola in the country since the epidemic was declared on May 15. So far, 754 people have died. This puts the fatality rate at about 37.5 percent. The US embassy said that those who have been to the DRC in the 21 days before their flight to the United States will not be able to board any commercial flights directly to the United States.
A notice published on the website of the US embassy in Congo said that all US citizens and nationals who are in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) should plan to be out of the country for at least 21 days before entering the United States. The move aims to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Ebola infections are increasing at an alarming rate across Congo. The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned on Wednesday that the disease is spreading much faster than efforts to contain it. According to the organization, the virus has spread to 41 health zones in the country in just two months since the current outbreak began. MSF also said that the number of confirmed cases has exceeded 2,000 so far. The situation could worsen if rapid and comprehensive public health measures are not taken to control the infection.
According to health experts, Ebola is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Therefore, special emphasis is being placed on international travel, patient identification and prompt treatment. Relevant parties believe that the new US travel ban is part of the precautionary measures taken to prevent the international spread of Ebola.
Source: Anadolu Agency
