After Confirming that No New Security Guidelines Were In Place, Ellmers Sends Letter
To Establish Screenings for Ebola at International Airports

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement after sending a letter to Tom Frieden, the Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

“Given the rapid transmission of Ebola, and the hazard it poses to public health, it is essential that we establish new airport screening guidelines for personnel. It is important that our airport personnel are provided with newly-established protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) so they can effectively screen incoming international travelers for symptoms associated with this deadly disease.”

“After speaking with a senior administrative official at RDU International Airport, I have verified the unfortunate reality that airport personnel are untrained and unequipped to handle this epidemic. Because of this, I have requested that the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide updated screening guidelines for airport personnel so that they are adequately prepared to recognize symptoms of the Ebola virus.”

“As a Representative from a state that includes two international commercial airports, it is critical that we implement the necessary protocols to contain and stop the spread of this disease. Public health and safety remain a priority of mine, and updating airport screening standards will be a first step to ensuring both.”

On September 20, 2014, the United States had its first encounter with the Ebola virus. The White House announced last Wednesday that it would not impose travel restrictions or introduce new airport screenings in an effort to contain and prevent the spread of Ebola into the United States. However, less than one week later, the White House is back peddling—claiming that they will implement new international flight screenings.

After speaking with a senior administrative official at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), the Congresswoman received confirmation that there are no CDC personnel on-site to train airport personnel on how to screen for symptoms of the Ebola virus. As RDU is an international port of entry for three major flights from Africa into the United States through London, Canada, and Mexico, the airport would benefit substantially from having the appropriate protocol in place and personnel on site.

On Monday, October 6, 2014, Congresswoman Ellmers issued a letter requesting the creation of new screening guidelines and an emergency quarantine protocol for all international airports with connecting flights from Africa into the United States.

Click here to view the letter from Congresswoman Ellmers to CDC Director, Tom Frieden.

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Congresswoman Renee Ellmers serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is

Chairwoman of the Republican Women’s Policy Committee.

She represents the Second District of North Carolina which includes all of Fort Bragg.