The U.S. State Department has urged the European Union to do more to prevent the spread of Ebola ahead of the FIFA World Cup in North America.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday about the Trump administration’s concerns over the outbreak in Africa, which has prompted multiple travel warnings and entry restrictions in recent weeks.
“The Department’s highest priority and focus remain protecting the health of the American people and preventing this Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores,” the State Department said in a statement, although one department official who spoke with The Associated Press said the world needed to “step up as well,” highlighting what the U.S. had done to tackle the spread.
Travel from Europe into the U.S. could be affected in the coming weeks if further measures are not taken, the official said. Any new restrictions could then impact visitors headed to World Cup events.
Newsweek reached out to the State Department for further comment via its contact form.
European Travel and Ebola: What Is the Risk?
There are very few direct flights between the U.S. and Africa each day, but from Europe, there are over 300.
While the U.S. has imposed entry restrictions on anyone who has been to one of the affected countries within the past 21 days, regardless of where they board their flight, the response to Ebola in other countries is crucial for stopping its spread.
In May, the Trump administration first limited the airports that could accept travelers from Ebola-affected countries, so that testing could take place. Tougher measures were then introduced.
The EU has not implemented continent‑wide entry bans on travelers from affected countries. Instead, European policy has focused on coordination, preparedness, and targeted precautions, rather than sweeping restrictions.
Airlines and airports—particularly in countries with direct routes, such as Belgium, are:
- monitoring passengers for symptoms
- applying hygiene and infection‑control practices
- coordinating with health authorities
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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