CDC updates Title 42-style Ebola entry suspension: July 13 order & July 31 comments

On July 13, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an updated public health order continuing a “Title 42-style” suspension of the right to introduce certain people into the United States due to Ebola importation risk.

The order takes effect at 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 13, 2026 and remains in effect through 4:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The related Federal Register notice opens a written comment period due July 31, 2026.

What changed in the July 13, 2026 update

CDC says the July 13 order continues the suspension for 30 days while it carries out an ongoing public health risk assessment tied to the Ebola outbreak it describes as involving the Bundibugyo virus strain confirmed in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The rule is time-limited and is issued under CDC’s quarantine/foreign-entry authority.

Who the order targets (the “covered” connection)

CDC’s order applies to “covered aliens,” including lawful permanent residents, whose connection to the affected areas is based on where they were during a defined exposure window:

• People who departed from or were otherwise present within DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan during the last 21 days.
• This applies regardless of country of origin.

Key exemptions in the order

The order says it does not apply to several categories, including:

• U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals.
• Members of the armed forces of the United States and associated personnel, plus U.S. government personnel serving overseas (and their spouses and children), subject to required assurances.
• People the customs officers determine (with supervisory approval) should be excepted based on the totality of the circumstances, including law enforcement, officer/public safety, humanitarian, and public health interests (with standards coordinated between DHS and CDC).
• People who would otherwise be subject to the order but are permitted to enter based on an exception provisionally granted by CDC, with confirmation based on a public health assessment at time of entry under a DHS-approved process documented and shared with CDC (including mitigation protocols).

The order also notes that the CDC Director may except additional categories consistent with the cited legal framework.

Air-travel timing: when the suspension applies

For air travel, CDC states the order applies to flights departing after 4:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Public comments: what comes next

The Federal Register notice for this action lists Written comments due July 31, 2026 under Docket No. CDC–2026–0892. CDC also states the order may be amended or rescinded prior to the August 12 cutoff at the discretion of the Director—after considering the risk assessment and public input.

Practical takeaway: If you (or someone traveling with you) had recent travel or presence in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the last 21 days, this order may affect whether certain people can be introduced into the U.S. during the covered window—so check whether an exemption category could apply and monitor CDC updates after the July 31 comment deadline.

Sources

• CDC Port Health legal authorities page (EVD / Title 42-style Ebola order update, July 13, 2026)
• Federal Register notice (GovInfo PDF), published July 16, 2026 — includes effective window and comment deadline
• 42 CFR 71.37 (Federal order content and procedural requirements)