Congresswoman Johnson to Attend Ebola Precautionary Hearing in Dallas

DALLAS, TX – (Thursday, October 9th, 2014)— On Friday October 10th, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson will attend a hearing focused on government coordination to combat Ebola. The hearing is being held by the Committee on Homeland Security at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. After the death of Ebola patient, Thomas Eric Duncan, and subsequent potential cases , precautionary measures are being taken by officials to ensure preparedness in the future. In remarks regarding the Ebola outbreak preparedness, Congresswoman Johnson said the following:

“Preparedness is our best tool in fighting the spread of an Ebola outbreak, and I commend you all for the effectiveness of your response thus far. As the Centers for Disease Control, Department of Homeland Security, and Dallas County health officials respond to this crisis, we must continue to stress  the importance of coordinated measures among the federal, state, and local levels. Let me assure you that the U.S. has the public health infrastructure necessary to ensure that this virus is contained.

Each passenger traveling from West African countries affected by an outbreak of Ebola is medically screened for symptoms before they are cleared to board an aircraft. By and large, these precautions have stemmed the spread beyond the borders of those West African countries. Additionally, on Wednesday of this week, federal officials announced enhanced screening techniques at five of the busiest airports in the country. While these procedures are not foolproof, they are effective in stopping the spread of Ebola and will reduce the risk of Ebola cases within our borders.”

During the hearing, Congresswoman Johnson will address questions and concerns raised by District 30 constituents in addition to general inquiries.

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Kessler Park, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, South Dallas & South Oak Cliff; all of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Ferris, Glenn Heights, South Grand Prairie, Oak Lawn, Ovilla, Uptown/Victory Park and West Dallas.