DHS to Route U.S.-Bound Travelers From Ebola-Affected Nations Through Dulles Airport

The Department of Homeland Security will require foreign travelers who have been in Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the past 21 days to enter the United States through Washington-Dulles International Airport beginning Thursday.

A draft DHS rule scheduled for publication Thursday directs all U.S.-bound passenger flights carrying such travelers to land at Dulles. Cargo flights are exempt.

The restrictions, issued at the direction of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, are meant to channel travelers to an airport where federal health resources are concentrated, the rule states.

A DHS spokesperson told CBS News that Customs and Border Protection is increasing public health screening, travel monitoring and health protection measures to reduce the risk of Ebola spreading. CBP is working with airlines, international partners and port officials to identify and manage travelers who may have been exposed.

The rule does not detail the specific health protocols travelers will face at Dulles.

The CDC announced Monday that people without U.S. passports who visited Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the past three weeks would be barred from entering the country. It is unclear how the new DHS rule affects that order.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo on May 15. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said Wednesday there are at least 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths. He said the virus had likely been circulating for some time before detection.

A U.S. doctor working with a missionary group in Congo contracted Ebola and was flown to Germany for treatment, the CDC and the missionary organization said Tuesday. At least six Americans were exposed, sources told CBS News.

Health officials said the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccines or treatments.