Combatting the Spread of Ebola

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a case of the Ebola virus in an individual who recently traveled to the United States from Africa. While I am confident there is no country better equipped to stop the spread of Ebola, we must be vigilant in protecting ourselves. But as more details emerge, I am becoming increasingly concerned about the way this situation has been handled. First, Mr. Duncan was able to leave Liberia just four days after coming in close contact with someone suffering from the Ebola virus by simply lying to airport officials—no steps were taken to investigate his background. Further, Mr. Duncan was initially discharged from a Texas hospital, despite repeatedly telling hospital officials he was from Liberia.  

I applaud health officials’ actions to immediately quarantine the infected patient and closely monitor all individuals with whom he had direct contact, but it’s becoming evident current protocols are no longer sufficient to control this terrible disease. I urge the Obama administration to seriously address this issue and errors that allowed this disease to enter the United States. And I call on President Obama to consider instituting travel restrictions on countries in which the Ebola virus is prevalent. In the coming days, it is imperative we act swiftly and aggressively to ensure the Ebola virus in the United States remains contained.

I hope you will all join me in lifting up this individual and all those affected by Ebola in Africa and throughout the world in prayer as they battle this terrible disease.