KINSHASA, June 26 – The Democratic Republic of Congo has introduced tighter travel measures after France confirmed its first imported Ebola case linked to the country’s ongoing outbreak.
Under a decree signed on June 24 by Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba, anyone identified as a contact of a confirmed or suspected Ebola case must complete a 21 day period of active health monitoring from the date of their last exposure. During that time, they will not be allowed to travel within the country or abroad unless health authorities give special approval.
The new rules also apply to healthcare workers, laboratory staff and emergency response teams returning from Ebola affected areas.
In addition, anyone who has stayed in an Ebola affected province must spend at least 21 days outside the area before they can leave the country. All outbound international passengers are now required to complete a health declaration form issued by border health authorities, while airlines have been directed to confirm that passengers have met the new requirements before boarding.
The measures were announced after France reported an Ebola case involving a humanitarian doctor who travelled on a commercial flight from Kinshasa without showing symptoms but became ill during the journey.
According to government figures released on Wednesday, the outbreak has infected 1,118 people and claimed 291 lives. It is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.
