Airports in multiple regions have begun rolling out COVID-era safety measures again after health authorities raised concerns about the spread of a rare but deadly virus with no known cure.
Officials say the move is precautionary, but the renewed protocols — including enhanced screening, isolation procedures, and protective equipment for staff — reflect growing unease over how quickly the virus can spread through international travel hubs.
Health agencies have confirmed that the virus causes severe symptoms in some patients, including high fever, internal bleeding, and organ failure in extreme cases. According to guidance published by the World Health Organization, early detection and containment remain the most effective tools in preventing wider transmission.
Several airports have reinstated health declarations and monitoring for travelers arriving from affected regions, a strategy previously used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts told Reuters that while the overall risk to the general population remains low, transportation hubs present a unique challenge due to high passenger volume.
Authorities emphasized that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued updated advisories encouraging countries to strengthen surveillance rather than resort to blanket travel bans.
Airline operators have also been briefed on revised response protocols, including procedures for handling suspected cases onboard aircraft. Aviation health policies outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization stress coordination between airlines, airports, and national health agencies.
Despite comparisons to the early days of COVID-19, officials cautioned against panic. Epidemiologists noted that while the virus is serious, it does not currently show the same level of global transmissibility that defined the coronavirus pandemic.
For now, travelers are being urged to stay informed, follow airport guidance, and report symptoms promptly — a reminder that lessons learned during COVID continue to shape how the world responds to emerging health threats.