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Belgium Defies US Travel Ban, Trusts WHO on Ebola

6/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Hans Kluge said no Ebola cases exist in Europe and urged travel as normal.
The United States asked nations to ban travel from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda, but Belgium rejected request and will follow WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advice.
On 11 June, Congo reported 635 Ebola cases and 127 deaths while Uganda reported 19 cases and two deaths.

History

Historical Context

After the 2014-2015 West African Ebola crisis—originating in Guinea in March 2014, declared a Public Health Emergency by WHO on 8 August 2014, and causing over 28,000 infections and about 11,300 deaths—global health agencies learned to issue coordinated travel advisories. In June 2024 the United States urged bans on travel from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda, and Belgium adopted the WHO/ECDC guidance, echoing that lesson.

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Story summary

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Hans Kluge said no Ebola cases exist in Europe and urged travel as normal.
The United States asked nations to ban travel from Congo, South Sudan and Uganda, but Belgium rejected request and will follow WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) advice.
On 11 June, Congo reported 635 Ebola cases and 127 deaths while Uganda reported 19 cases and two deaths.

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