U.S. Airports Implement Enhanced Ebola Screenings

The United States has implemented measures to reroute travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda to specific airports for enhanced health screenings. These actions aim to identify individuals who might have been exposed to the Ebola virus.

Screenings at Major Airports

Starting after 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, John F. Kennedy International Airport will begin screening passengers from regions affected by Ebola. This makes JFK the fourth U.S. airport to conduct enhanced public health checks since the outbreak began. Prior to this, screenings have been happening at Washington Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

CDC and Customs Announcements

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a news release that JFK Airport has previously conducted such checks during other public health crises and has operational procedures in place.

Travelers from affected areas heading to the U.S. could face screenings regardless of their immigration or citizenship status. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also announced these screenings at JFK Airport earlier in the week.

Ebola Outbreak Statistics

Public health experts report that the Ebola outbreak has resulted in more than 1,000 cases and over 200 deaths. These experts believe that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development last year left the detection and response efforts lacking, contributing to the rapid spread of this outbreak.

U.S. Government’s Response

The Trump administration is committed to preventing Ebola from entering the United States, even restricting entry for American citizens who are affected by the virus. On Thursday, administration officials announced plans for a 50-bed quarantine center in Kenya to house Americans exposed to Ebola. Adjacent facilities will handle individuals who test positive or exhibit symptoms during their stay in quarantine. This quarantine facility is scheduled to open on Friday, although the start date for isolation and biocontainment facilities remains unclear.

International Treatment Facilities

The CDC and the State Department are working to identify treatment centers in Europe equipped to provide advanced care for U.S. citizens who contract Ebola.