The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is sending a specialized team to Kenya to monitor and quarantine American citizens returning from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The move follows a High Court order suspending a planned U.S.-funded quarantine facility in Laikipia County.
The deployment was announced on May 29, 2026, in a statement to CNN. It forms part of efforts by the U.S. State Department and Department of War to manage the return of nationals possibly exposed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
The team consists of physicians, nurses, laboratory technologists, mental health professionals and engineers. All members received training in PPE, quarantine protocols and treatment procedures for the Bundibugyo strain, officials said.
The announcement follows conservatory orders issued by Justice Patricia Nyaundi at the Milimani Law Courts. The orders, sought by the Katiba Institute, bar the Kenyan government from facilitating any Ebola exposure or quarantine centre by the U.S. government or foreign agencies in Laikipia County.
Kenya has formed a National Response Committee and increased surveillance at entry points as part of its own mitigation measures.
