Mexican airlines ban travellers from Ebola-affected Central African nations

Three Mexican airlines have placed restrictions on passengers arriving from Central African countries battling an Ebola outbreak, just weeks before Mexico is set to host World Cup matches.

Aeromexico, the country’s largest carrier, announced on Friday that entry into Mexico by air is restricted for travellers who have spent time in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. Low-cost airlines Viva and Volaris have also introduced similar measures, which will remain in effect for 60 days.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, currently facing an Ebola outbreak, has qualified for the World Cup and is scheduled to play its first-round matches in the United States and Mexico. The Congolese team has been training in Belgium and plans to base itself in Houston, Texas, during the tournament.

The World Health Organisation has reported 17 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola deaths in the DRC since mid-May, with 125 confirmed cases and over 900 suspected cases. No vaccine or treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak.