Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport will begin enhanced health screenings for certain international travelers as U.S. officials respond to the growing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Central and East Africa.
According to federal health authorities, travelers who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days may now be subject to additional screening procedures upon arrival in Atlanta. The airport has been designated as one of a limited number of U.S. entry points authorized to conduct Ebola-related health screenings.
The new measures come after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with health officials monitoring hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths connected to the outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the enhanced screening process is part of a broader strategy that includes overseas exit screenings, airline illness reporting, traveler monitoring, and expanded public health response efforts.
Under the updated federal guidance, foreign nationals who have recently traveled through the affected countries may face temporary entry restrictions, while U.S. citizens and authorized travelers entering the country will undergo screening procedures at designated airports including Atlanta, Washington-Dulles, and Houston.
Health experts continue stressing that the immediate risk to the general U.S. public remains low, though officials say proactive screening measures are intended to help prevent the virus from spreading internationally. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding.
The decision has drawn significant public attention in Atlanta, especially as the city prepares to host major international events including matches connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Officials say preparations are already underway to ensure public safety while maintaining international travel operations.
Federal agencies say screening and monitoring efforts will remain active as health officials continue evaluating the evolving outbreak situation overseas.
