George Bush Intercontinental Airport has been designated as one of only three U.S. airports screening passengers arriving from African countries affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak, federal officials said.
The other designated airports are Washington Dulles International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the screening measures apply to travelers who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan or Uganda within 21 days before arriving in the United States.
The screenings are being implemented alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a precautionary response to the Ebola outbreak, which the World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency.
WHO data shows the outbreak has resulted in more than 900 suspected cases and over 220 suspected deaths. Health officials said the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
The CDC said no Ebola cases linked to the outbreak have been confirmed in the United States and maintained that the risk to the general American public remains low.
The travel restrictions apply only to passengers and do not cover airline crews or cargo-only flights. Flights departing after 10:59 p.m. Central time Tuesday may be rerouted to Bush Intercontinental for screening.
The development comes weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during which the national team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is scheduled to play Portugal on June 17 at NRG Stadium. The Congolese squad is also expected to hold its base camp in Houston throughout the tournament.
Lina Hidalgo said Harris County officials are coordinating with healthcare providers, emergency response agencies and federal and state partners to monitor the situation and keep residents informed.
