Canada Blocks Entry to Travelers from Ebola-Affected DR Congo

Canada has announced a temporary ban on foreign nationals who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an Ebola outbreak is ongoing. The measure takes effect immediately and applies to anyone who was in the DRC within 21 days before arriving in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are exempt, as are certain other travelers like diplomats and aircrew. The ban is meant to reduce the risk of imported Ebola cases. Health officials emphasize that the overall risk to Canadians remains low. The DRC has been battling an outbreak of the deadly virus in several provinces, and international health authorities are working to contain it. Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people or animals. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and bleeding. There is no licensed treatment, but supportive care and experimental vaccines have improved survival rates. Canada has not reported any Ebola cases since 2014, when a traveler from West Africa arrived with the virus but did not spread it. The new ban will remain in place until the outbreak is contained, officials said. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and may adjust restrictions as needed.