Trump to Send Americans Exposed to Ebola in Africa to Kenya Facility Instead of US

As the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to expand, the Trump administration announced new measures aimed at preventing the virus from reaching the United States, including the creation of a specialized treatment and quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans exposed to the disease in Africa.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington intends to stop Ebola cases from entering the country.

“We cannot and will not allow any cases of Ebola to enter the United States,” Rubio stated.

According to US officials, the facility being established in Kenya is intended for American citizens who may have been exposed to the virus but are not yet showing symptoms. Officials said the goal is to avoid transporting potentially infected individuals on long flights back to the United States while still ensuring access to advanced medical care and quarantine conditions close to the outbreak zone.

The project is reportedly being organized jointly by the State Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Pentagon. Authorities say the center will be capable of handling the full range of Ebola cases, including critical care treatment, although some patients could still be transferred elsewhere if more advanced medical intervention becomes necessary.

The decision immediately drew criticism from infectious disease specialists and humanitarian experts, many of whom pointed out that the United States already maintains a network of hospitals specifically equipped to treat Ebola patients. Jeremy Konyndyk, who oversaw US disaster assistance during the West African Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016, questioned why Americans would not be treated at home.

“Rather than having confidence in the capabilities we’ve built up here, we’re sending them just literally anywhere else,” he said, describing the administration’s approach as deeply troubling.

Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious disease expert and former medical director of the Sierra Leone Ebola Treatment Center, called the strategy “insane,” warning that it could lead to “awful consequences.” Lawrence Gostin, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law, described the plan as “reckless, unethical and possibly unlawful.”

Earlier this month, an American doctor working in Congo who tested positive for Ebola was transferred to Germany for treatment, while another US citizen exposed to the virus was taken to the Czech Republic.

Kenyan authorities confirmed ongoing discussions with Washington about cooperation related to Ebola preparedness and response. However, the Kenyan Ministry of Health stressed that any arrangement would have to comply with the country’s laws and biosafety standards.

“Protection of Kenyan citizens, frontline health workers and communities remains paramount,” the ministry said in a statement.

The prospect of a facility serving only Americans also triggered criticism among some residents in Kenya. Nairobi resident Robert Kiberenge questioned why the center would prioritize foreign nationals over local people.

“If they must be allowed to open that facility here, then it must be a facility that serves every human being in Kenya,” he said.

At the same time, the United States is tightening entry controls for travelers arriving from Ebola-affected areas. American citizens and nationals who have recently been in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan are now being redirected to designated airports for health screening procedures. Alongside Atlanta, Houston, and Washington-Dulles airports, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport has also been added to the screening system.

US authorities said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will conduct enhanced screening and monitoring of arriving travelers. The CDC has additionally invoked Title 42 public health restrictions for at least 30 days, limiting entry for certain non-citizens who have recently been in the affected countries.

Despite the growing outbreak, health officials continue to emphasize that the overall risk to the United States remains low. New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said there are currently no Ebola cases anywhere in the US and noted that JFK airport had previously been used during earlier Ebola and Marburg outbreaks.

Meanwhile, the outbreak itself continues to worsen in Central Africa. The Congolese government reported more than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and over 230 suspected deaths, including more than 120 confirmed infections. Neighboring Uganda has also confirmed several linked cases, including one death.

Uganda responded Wednesday by temporarily closing its border with Congo. Authorities said only humanitarian operations, cargo transport, security personnel, and official Ebola response teams would be permitted to cross under strict health monitoring measures, including mandatory 21-day isolation periods.

Ugandan officials urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant as regional efforts to contain the outbreak intensify.