China warns citizens against Congo travel over Ebola outbreak

Travel warning issued

China's Foreign Ministry on Friday urged citizens to postpone non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak that has claimed more than 220 lives and prompted the World Health Organization to raise its alert level to the highest category as cases mount across the Central African nation. The advisory specifically warned against visiting affected regions including Ituri and North Kivu provinces, and instructed Chinese nationals already in Congo or neighboring states to avoid contact with wild animals and suspected patients.

Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or bleeding were told to seek immediate medical treatment or contact Chinese medical teams for assistance. The ministry emphasized that early medical intervention remains critical for survival rates among infected patients.

Outbreak escalates

The cumulative number of suspected cases has reached 1,077 since authorities declared the outbreak on May 15, with laboratory tests confirming 121 infections and official reports recording 17 deaths, according to the UN health agency. The WHO has classified the threat level as very high as the virus continues to spread through parts of central Africa, sparking international concern over containment capabilities.

Regional containment

Several countries bordering Congo have intensified screening protocols and restricted inbound travel from affected areas to prevent cross-border transmission of the highly infectious hemorrhagic fever. The tightening of border controls comes amid growing international alarm over the outbreak's trajectory in a region with limited healthcare infrastructure.