Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
On May 18, 2026, the CDC issued an order suspending entry to the United States for foreign nationals who had been in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days prior to arrival. U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents with recent travel to these countries are permitted to enter, subject to enhanced public health screening at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) starting May 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The Department of Homeland Security has posted a Federal Register notice outlining this redirection of travelers to IAD for screening by CDC staff.
During enhanced screening, travelers are escorted to a designated area at the airport to complete a brief questionnaire on travel history and symptoms. CDC staff use non-contact thermometers to check temperatures and observe for signs of illness. Asymptomatic travelers receive information on health monitoring and follow-up steps, and are allowed to continue to their final destination. Traveler contact information is shared with state and local health departments for potential follow-up and support.
If a traveler shows fever or other symptoms, a CDC public health officer evaluates the individual. The CDC coordinates with state and local public health authorities and designated hospitals to rapidly identify and respond to symptomatic persons, aiming to effectively manage illness in the community. To date, the United States has reported no suspected, probable, or confirmed Ebola cases, and the domestic risk remains low. This layered entry screening is intended to slow and reduce potential disease spread into the country when combined with existing detection measures.