The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has introduced stricter travel measures aimed at containing the spread of Ebola, requiring individuals returning from affected areas to complete a 21-day quarantine period before being allowed to travel abroad.
The new regulations were announced in a decree signed on 24 June by Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba, following growing concerns over the cross-border spread of the virus after France confirmed its first imported Ebola case linked to the current outbreak.
Under the new rules, anyone identified as a contact of a confirmed or suspected Ebola patient must undergo 21 days of active health monitoring from the date of their last known exposure.
During this monitoring period, all domestic and international travel is prohibited unless specifically authorised by health authorities.
The restrictions also apply to healthcare workers, laboratory personnel and emergency response teams returning from Ebola-affected areas. These individuals will be required to complete the same monitoring period and obtain official clearance before travelling internationally.
In addition, anyone who has spent time in an Ebola-affected province will only be permitted to leave the country after spending at least 21 consecutive days outside the affected area.
As part of the enhanced border controls, all international travellers departing the DRC must complete a health declaration form issued by border health officials. Airlines have also been instructed to verify passengers' compliance with the new health requirements before departure.
The measures follow confirmation by French health authorities on Wednesday of an imported Ebola case involving a humanitarian doctor. The doctor reportedly boarded a commercial flight from Kinshasa without symptoms but became ill during the journey, raising concerns about the potential international spread of the disease.
The current outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
According to the latest figures released by the Congolese government on Wednesday, the outbreak has infected 1,118 people and claimed 291 lives.
Health authorities say the strengthened travel restrictions form part of broader efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further international transmission of the virus.