Travelers from Rwandawill no longer be redirected to three designated U.S. airports, starting Thursday, December 5. The measure had been imposed as preventive measures by the US in the wake of the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Africa CDC urges U.S. to reassess travel advisory on Rwanda “Passengers are now able to arrive in the United States without being redirected to one of the three designated airports where public health entry screening was previously conducted,” read a statement from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. US Ambassador to Rwanda, Eric Kneedler, described the development as “great news for travellers from Rwanda.” Great news for travelers from Rwanda. Starting December 5, all travelers will no longer need to reroute to three designated U.S. airports. For flight-related questions, please contact your airline. pic.twitter.com/YPJzLHVvMz — Ambassador Eric Kneedler (@USAmbRwanda) December 4, 2024 The decision follows the downgrade of a travel advisory the US had issued against Rwanda on November 22, after the discharge of the last known patient with the Marburg Virus Disease in Rwanda, who tested negative on November 8, 2024. With no new reported cases since November, Rwanda has embarked on a 42-day countdown to declare the end of the outbreak. ALSO READ: Marburg: US lifts travel advisory on Rwanda The 42-day period to declare the end of an epidemic is based on the incubation period of the disease in question. For diseases like Marburg, the incubation period – the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms – is up to 21 days. Doubling this period to 42days ensures that if there are any undetected or hidden cases, they will likely manifest within such a timeframe. “With no new cases reported, the U.S. government will work to ensure a smooth transition and continued public health safety,” the statement read.
