The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has introduced strict new travel measures following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in France linked to the country’s ongoing outbreak.
Under new regulations announced by Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba, individuals who have been in Ebola-affected areas will be required to complete a 21-day monitoring period before being permitted to travel internationally. The restrictions also apply to anyone identified as a contact of a confirmed or suspected Ebola patient.
The move comes after French authorities confirmed that a humanitarian doctor travelling from Kinshasa developed Ebola symptoms during a commercial flight, raising concerns about the potential for international spread.
Health workers, laboratory staff and emergency response personnel returning from outbreak zones will also be subject to enhanced monitoring and will need official clearance before travelling abroad.
To strengthen border screening, all departing international passengers must now complete health declaration forms, while airlines have been tasked with verifying compliance before boarding.
According to the latest figures released by Congolese authorities, the outbreak has infected 1,118 people and claimed 291 lives. The epidemic is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment.
Authorities say the tighter controls are aimed at limiting cross-border transmission as efforts continue to contain one of the country’s most serious Ebola outbreaks in recent years.