The Trump administration has urged European countries to follow the United States in imposing travel restrictions on people recently exposed to Ebola-affected Central African countries.
Sources and officials said Washington wants to prevent the virus from spreading during the FIFA World Cup.
The United States issued a demarche on June 1, according to a European Union diplomat based in Africa and another source familiar with the matter.
A demarche is a formal diplomatic statement of concern.
The diplomat said EU member states had not yet responded to the request.
US Restricts Entry Over Ebola Concerns
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month issued an order barring some travellers from entering the country.
The order blocks noncitizens who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.
American citizens were advised to enter through selected airports for screening.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Ebola must not be allowed to enter the United States.
The administration has focused on keeping people who may have been exposed to the virus overseas.
This approach comes despite the US having facilities equipped to treat Ebola cases while limiting transmission.
Washington Calls for Global Action
A State Department official said the restrictions, together with US funding pledges, showed that Washington had “stepped up” to protect Americans.
The official said the measures target the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which the World Health Organization has declared an emergency of international concern.
“Other countries must do their part to ensure this outbreak does not spread further. Action is required now. That includes financial contributions and implementing commonsense restrictions on travel from the affected area,” said the official, who spoke anonymously.
“We are engaging diplomatically with countries around the world to coordinate our approach to protect our citizens, including the millions of visitors, fans, athletes and tourists expected during the FIFA World Cup.”
The official did not answer questions about the formal request to European countries. Axios first reported the request.
The European Union did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rubio Discusses Ebola Response With EU Leader
Rubio and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the Ebola response during a call on Tuesday, according to the State Department.
“The Department’s highest priority and focus remain protecting the health of the American people and preventing this Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores,” spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a readout of the call.
The Trump administration has faced criticism over the closure of the US Agency for International Development and cuts to aid funding before the outbreak.
However, the administration says it has delivered 150 tons of medical supplies.
It also says it has pledged more than $200 million directly to affected countries.
The administration says the pledge makes the United States the largest financial contributor to the Ebola response.
World Cup Travel Complications
The Ebola outbreak has complicated some travel ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
It begins on Thursday.
