Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is now screening some travelers for Ebola as outbreaks continue in parts of Africa. Here’s what travelers need to know.
As health officials respond to a growing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa, travelers arriving at O’Hare from affected countries are facing additional screenings and monitoring to help prevent the virus from spreading in the U.S.The CDC has started Ebola-related screenings at Chicago ’s O’Hare International Airport as outbreaks continue in parts of East and Central Africa.
Travelers who recently visited Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or South Sudan may face temperature checks, exposure questions and monitoring requirements. Health officials say the immediate risk to the public in Chicago remains low, but they are urging travelers to stay alert for symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has begun screening some travelers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport as health officials respond to a growing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The screenings come as Ebola cases continue to spread across parts of East and Central Africa, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. The World Health Organization recently declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern after an American medical missionary working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo tested positive for the virus. Federal health officials say the new measures at O’Hare are intended to prevent Ebola from entering the United States.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Travelers wait in line for security screening at O'Hare International Airport on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. The travel disruptions continue as hundreds of TSA agents quit or work without pay during a partial goPeople who have traveled through Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or South Sudan within the last 21 days are being denied entry into the United States unless they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Returning U.S. citizens and permanent residents arriving from those countries will undergo additional screening measures at O’Hare. Officials will check travelers’ temperatures, ask questions about possible exposure and collect contact-tracing information. Travelers who show symptoms or have a fever will be taken to a quarantine station at the airport for a second evaluation. Those who clear the screening process will receive a care kit with instructions to monitor their temperature twice a day for the next three weeks.
What we don't know:What they're saying: "Ebola is one of the most infectious diseases out there. I'm not an alarmist, but I'm very concerned," said Dr. Tyler Evans, CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance. Ebola is a severe viral illness that can spread through direct contact with bodily fluids from someone who is infected. Symptoms can include fever, weakness, vomiting and unexplained bleeding.
The information in this story came from the CDC, World Health Organization, and interviews conducted by FOX Chicago.
Please follow us on Google to support us Ohare Transportation News Health Health Care Us Il Cook County Chicago Travel News
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US to screen passengers, potentially limit entry amid Ebola outbreak in AfricaThe U.S. will 'implement enhanced travel screening, entry restrictions, and public health measures' to try to stop the Ebola virus from entering the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Monday.
Read more »
Ebola Outbreaks in Africa Trigger Global Health Emergency, U.S. Travel WarningsThe World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) an international public health emergency.
Read more »
2 Chicago hospitals designated treatment centers for any possible Ebola cases in IllinoisThe World Health Organization is warning the world about a growing Ebola outbreak.
Read more »
Former ‘Ebola czar’ on the current outbreak in Africa : Consider This from NPRMore than a decade ago, Ron Klain helped orchestrate the U.S. response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, as the White House Ebola response coordinator under President Obama.
Read more »