by InTrieste
Italy has introduced enhanced health screening measures for travelers and aid workers returning from areas affected by an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, officials said Tuesday.
The precautions come as authorities in Congo report at least 131 deaths and more than 500 suspected cases linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no approved vaccine or targeted treatment exists. Uganda has also confirmed imported cases, including one death.
The Italian Health Ministry said the measures were being adopted out of “maximum caution,” citing uncertainty over the outbreak’s scale and potential spread.
Under the new rules, organizations operating in affected areas must notify Italian authorities before workers return home and certify that travelers show no symptoms and have not been exposed to confirmed Ebola cases in the previous 21 days.
Passengers who develop symptoms during flights — including fever, vomiting or bleeding — will be routed only to designated health airports, including Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport, where specialized screening protocols are in place.
Asymptomatic travelers will undergo temperature checks and document verification upon arrival. Airlines are also required to collect passenger locator forms to assist with contact tracing if needed.
Italian officials stressed that the measures do not signal a public health emergency in the country. The World Health Organization has advised against border closures or travel bans, urging countries instead to strengthen surveillance and public health monitoring.
