Got An East Africa Trip Booked? Here’s What Travelers Should Actually Be Worried About – Ebola Outbreak

With Bundibugyo orthoebolavirus outbreaks in parts of East Africa, travelers planning trips to the region should educate themselves about safety measures and their travel options.

Primary resources should include accurate health and travel information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and relevant organizations based in both your departure and destination locations. It’s important to utilize those resources before and during your trip, though you should also refer to the information provided regarding post-travel. You should be informed about if and when you need to isolate, what to do if you start experiencing symptoms, and what to do if you were exposed to the virus.

Travel advisories and any notices from your airline, accommodations, and tour operators should also strongly influence your decision on whether to cancel your travel plans. Naturally, for your safety and that of others, “do not travel” advisories from credible, relevant sources such as the ones mentioned above should be taken seriously.

In the latter half of May, the United States issued or updated “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” advisories for Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. Additionally, the WHO determined that “Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.”

According to the CDC, Ebola outbreaks are currently occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo (in the provinces of Ituri, Nord-Kivu (North Kivu), and Sud-Kivu (South Kivu) and Uganda. On May 22, the health organization classified the aforementioned Democratic Republic of Congo provinces as “Level 3” travel zones, meaning people should “reconsider nonessential travel.” The latter country is largely considered a part of both East and Central Africa.

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Rwanda borders two of the provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo experiencing the Ebola outbreak. As of May 17, the U.S. government’s travel advisory for Rwanda deems it a “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” zone. The State Department adds that “within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo” is a “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” area due to unrest.

Many countries in East Africa currently have no reported Ebola cases. Countries with no cases of the Bundibugyo virus, as of this reporting, include Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, and many others in the region.

The CDC notes that Ebola’s threat to the U.S. general public is currently low. There are no reported domestic cases connected to the outbreaks in East Africa.

The Department of Homeland Security has implemented certain travel restrictions and designated health screenings. U.S. citizens and nationals returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan will have their journeys include a stop at either Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). At one of those airports, those travelers will undergo health screenings (a temperature check, answering a questionnaire, being monitored for symptoms, etc.) for Ebola. If cleared for additional travel, the CDC says those travelers will “continue to their final destination” in the U.S.

Protect Your Trip With Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for trips to countries affected by the Bundibugyo virus is recommended. It’s best to consult a provider in the planning stages of your trip if possible. Travel insurance coverage can depend on how far in advance of the trip you purchased your policy and on Ebola’s status as an emergency at that time.

Coverage could also depend on whether medical treatment, evacuations, and “cancel for any reason” are included in the policy you chose. Thoroughly understanding your plan and avoiding accidental coverage gaps is key. When shopping for travel insurance, look for policies that cover travel delays or cancellations. Additionally, you’ll want coverage that includes injuries or illnesses that occur during your trip.

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