The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has selected four airports for Ebola screening for travellers who have recently been at or are arriving from Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, or Uganda. The four airports are the Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
According to a CDC directive updated on May 28, enhanced screening measures at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) took effect after 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 20, followed by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on May 22, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on May 26, and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on May 28.
At the same time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated travel guidance for entry into the United States.
“As of Friday, May 22, 2026, U.S. citizens and nationals may still enter but will undergo enhanced public health screening,” said the CDC, adding that for travellers from the impacted countries flights will “possibly” be rerouted to selected airports.
“Airlines will work with affected travelers to rebook flights.”
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Travelers told to monitor for symptoms for 21 days
The public health authority advised that travelers monitor for Ebola symptoms for 21 days after leaving affected countries.
“Anyone who develops symptoms should avoid travel and contact public health authorities immediately.”
Earlier, on Monday, May 18, the CDC had already ordered a suspension on entry into the United States for foreign nationals arriving from the three affected countries.
“CDC assesses the immediate risk to the general U.S. public as low, but we will continue to evaluate the evolving situation and may adjust public health measures as additional information becomes available,” it said.
The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is suspected to have caused more than 130 deaths. The virus strain involved in this outbreak is considered relatively rare, making containment efforts more difficult because there are currently no specific treatments or vaccines targeting this strain.
In its statement, the CDC said: “The current risk of Ebola being introduced into the United States remains low. However, public health entry screening is part of a layered approach to disease prevention and, when combined with other existing public health measures, can help slow and reduce the risk of the disease entering the United States.”
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is continuing to work with airlines, international partners, and officials at ports of entry to identify and manage travelers who may have been exposed to Ebola.
By Xie Xinyu, Vision Times
