US announces new screening measures amid rise in Marburg and MPox cases

The United States of America is announcing enhanced screening measures to curb the spread of Marburg and MPox viruses in the country.

Rwanda and Uganda are still facing the Marburg and MPox outbreaks, respectively, which have already claimed the lives of thousands of people.

Marburg is known as one of the deadliest viruses in the world and reportedly has an 88% mortality rate. Rwanda has reported a total of 62 cases of the virus, among which 38 have recovered and 15 have died. The Marburg spread was declared an outbreak on September 27, 2024.

In announcing the new measures, CDC spokesperson David Daigle said: “The risk of Marburg in the US remains low, however, these measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution given the ongoing outbreak in Rwanda.”

Under the screening protocols, announced on Oct. 7, all travelers who were scheduled to land in the U.S. starting Oct. 15 and who have traveled in Rwanda in the last 21 days must fly directly to John F. Kennedy in New York, Chicago O ‘Hare or Washington-Dulles International Airports for immediate enhanced health screenings, CBS News reported.

It was also reported that passengers who recently visited Rwanda will have their temperatures checked upon arrival and “will be asked to answer questions about symptoms and potential exposure to the virus in designated screening areas.”

Additionally, if a traveler experiences virus symptoms such as headaches, fever or chills, they should immediately self-isolate and seek medical assistance.