Despite a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has announced it will not be implementing a travel ban or actively testing travelers at this time. The decision comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has resulted in over 500 suspected cases and at least 134 deaths. The WHO has expressed concern over the "scale and spread of the epidemic," with cases reported in urban areas such as Kampala, Goma, and Bunia. This particular strain of Ebola has no approved vaccines or treatments. The Government of Canada is advising Canadians to avoid all travel to the Ituri province.
PHAC stated it is following guidance from the WHO regarding border measures and will continue to monitor the situation, updating travel health advice as needed. The United States, however, has implemented increased screening for travelers from affected regions and restricted entry for certain individuals who have recently been in Uganda, DRC, or South Sudan. The Canadian government says there are currently no travel-related health measures specific for Ebola at Canada's borders, but it will monitor and update public health interventions as needed, including with respect to the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The WHO has sent medical supplies to the DRC and released $500,000 from its emergency fund. The Canadian government is urging its citizens traveling to Uganda to exercise a high degree of caution and to avoid non-essential travel to areas bordering the DRC.
