The United States is planning to establish a quarantine center in Kenya, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, as a deadly Ebola outbreak continues to escalate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The facility is primarily intended for Americans who test positive for the virus or have been exposed to it, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Purpose of the Quarantine Center
The center would be for Americans who would need to quickly leave the DRC and undergo quarantine, a US administration official told the newspaper. The move comes amid a surge in Ebola cases in the DRC, where the World Health Organization has recorded 10 confirmed Ebola deaths, 220 suspected deaths, and 900 suspected cases since mid-May.
Approval Pending from Kenyan Authorities
The quarantine center was awaiting final approval from authorities in Kenya on Tuesday, where no cases of the disease have been confirmed so far. The report follows the evacuation of a US doctor who contracted Ebola while working in the DRC and was flown to Germany last week for treatment.
Travel Restrictions Imposed
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last week that lawful US permanent residents who have been in the DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days are barred from entering the United States. This measure aims to prevent the spread of the virus to American soil.
No Vaccine or Treatment for Current Strain
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which no vaccine or specific treatment exists. This marks the DRC's 17th recorded outbreak of the disease. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as the outbreak continues to evolve.
