Today's Signal
U.S. CDC implements enhanced Ebola screening at Houston IAH effective tonight
Effective 11:59 PM May 26, George Bush Intercontinental joins the U.S. designated-airport list for travelers who were present in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan. Diaspora travelers connecting through Houston should plan for additional processing time and possible flight changes.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Department of Homeland Security have implemented enhanced Ebola screening protocols at designated U.S. airports for travelers who were present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the prior 21 days.
George Bush Intercontinental in Houston joins the designated list effective for flights departing after 11:59 PM May 26, per the U.S. Embassy Nassau public-health advisory of May 24.
For the diaspora, the practical layer matters. The corridors most affected:
- Africa-to-Caribbean travelers routing through London Heathrow → Houston → onward Caribbean
- Returning Caribbean diaspora travelers who have any transit leg through East/Central Africa
- Onward routings to JFK, Atlanta, Miami, and other major diaspora gateways
Travelers should expect: additional questioning at arrivals, possible temperature screening, possible 21-day contact tracing protocols, and (in operational scenarios) possible flight delays or cancellations as airlines adjust to staffing-up screening lanes. Airlines may rebook around designated gateways. Confirm directly with carrier before transit.
Source: U.S. Embassy Nassau public-health advisory (May 24, 2026); Caribbean Life / CMC (May 26, 2026); UN News (May 17, 2026).