On Friday, the United States decided to impose temporary travel restrictions on some returnees from three African countries in an attempt to reduce the risk of transmission of the Ebola virus. These measures come within the framework of US public health protocols for travelers coming from areas affected by the Ebola virus. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines issued Friday, US citizens and nationals who visited Uganda or South Sudan (not the Democratic Republic of the Congo) within 21 days prior to their arrival in the United States will be directed to specific US airports for public health screenings upon entry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained that this requirement applies even to passengers who only passed through Uganda or South Sudan on a transit flight. The centers said that travelers, including American citizens and nationals who visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo within 21 days before departure, will not be allowed to board commercial flights bound for American destinations. The centers added that these travelers must remain outside the United States until 21 days have passed since their departure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The centers said that travelers who visited areas affected by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may face additional travel requirements imposed by local authorities before they are allowed to leave the country. If Ebola infection is suspected, patients will be transferred to hospital for medical examinations, isolation and care.