George Bush Intercontinental Airport will become the third US gateway to implement Ebola screening tonight at 11:59 PMas federal health authorities expand their response to a rapidly evolving outbreak that the World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency.
What travelers need to know now
As of tonight, all U.S.-bound passengers – including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents – who have been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days must route their return through one of three designated airports: Washington Dulles (IAD), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), or now Houston IAH. Upon arrival, travelers will be escorted to a designated screening area, complete a questionnaire about their travel history and symptoms, have their temperature checked and be observed for signs of illness. If no symptoms are present, they may continue their journey.
CBP confirmed it is working with the CDC to expand enhanced screenings to protect Americans, although the agency did not indicate how long the measures will remain in place. The new restrictions do not apply to crew members or flights carrying only cargo.
Why this outbreak is different
This is not the Ebola variant that the world has learned to fight. The outbreak concerns the Bundibugyo virus – one of four types of Ebola that affect humans – for which there is no vaccine and no approved treatment. In previous Bundibugyo outbreaks, the mortality rate was 25% in Uganda in 2007 and 50% in the DRC in 2012. The two existing approved Ebola vaccines target the Zaire strain and do not provide confirmed cross-protection.
The DRC reported this on May 21 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths. Five confirmed cases have been linked to the Ugandan capital Kampala. WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on May 16.
Houston, the World Cup and a city that is alert
The timing is significant. Houston is one Host city of the 2026 FIFA World Cupwhere millions of international visitors are expected in the coming weeks. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the area is prepared and not on a state of alert, emphasizing that local, state and federal agencies are working to stay ahead of potential risks while keeping the public informed.
The White House has already required the DRC World Cup squad to complete a 21-day isolation period before entering the United States, as the team will play Portugal on June 17 in Houston.
Travelers with routes that touch the affected region should contact their airline immediately to confirm the route, and can watch live Health warnings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CDC’s Ebola Situation Page for updates.
