US, Canada and Mexico impose Ebola measures ahead of World Cup

The United States, Canada and Mexico have announced coordinated public health measures for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in response to an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

On Friday, May 29, the US government, speaking on behalf of the three host nations, said the measures are designed to address travel from African regions considered at the highest risk for Ebola transmission. The joint approach is intended to mitigate health risks while preserving cross-border movement.

“This coordinated approach aims to protect our citizens and the millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while maintaining travel and commerce across our borders,” the statement said.

In the United States, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced that a 30-day travel ban will initially apply to foreign travellers who have been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan within the past 21 days.

In Mexico, airlines including Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobus have introduced similar travel restrictions. Under a regulation issued by Mexican authorities, these measures will remain in force for 60 days, extending until after the World Cup concludes.

The outbreak is currently affecting eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Uganda. According to the latest official figures, there are more than 1,000 suspected cases in Congo, with around 250 deaths reported. In Uganda, the number of cases and fatalities is significantly lower.

Ebola is a highly contagious and life-threatening infectious disease transmitted through direct physical contact and exposure to bodily fluids.

Past outbreaks underscore the severity of the virus. Between 2014 and 2015, more than 11,000 people died during a major epidemic in West Africa. A later outbreak from 2018 to 2020 in eastern Congo — the same region now affected — resulted in around 2,300 deaths.

The current situation is further complicated by the spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is neither a vaccine nor a specific treatment, making containment efforts particularly challenging.

By Tamilla Hasanova