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Honorable Tim Walz

Representing the 1st District of MINNESOTA

Walz Calls for Immediate, Aggressive Action to Fight Ebola

Oct 17, 2014
Press Release

Mankato, MN [10/17/14] – Today, Representative Tim Walz sent the following letter to President Obama calling for immediate, aggressive action to fight Ebola, both at home and abroad. Please find text of the letter below:

Dear Mr. President,

My number one priority, as is yours and every elected official, is to keep Americans safe. Although the current threat to the majority of Americans is low, Ebola is an extremely serious disease and we must take aggressive, immediate action to prevent its continued spread. It is clear that serious, unacceptable errors were made in the initial treatment of the index patient in Dallas that allowed the virus to spread to two health care workers who were treating the patient. These errors must never happen again.

Please consider the following courses of action to fight the Ebola outbreak:

  • The CDC and NIH can and should take control of the treatment of any new diagnoses of Ebola in the United States and ensure those being monitored for the disease—including those who have treated an Ebola patient previously—are under a mandatory quarantine and placed on no-fly lists.
  • Conduct Ebola screenings at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Minnesota is home to the largest population of Liberian Nationals in the country, screening those traveling from West Africa at MSP would add an additional layer of security.
  • I understand infection control experts agree, at least at this time, that a complete travel ban could make the situation worse. If that remains the case, I would ask that you consider implementing targeted travel restrictions for those with passports from nations affected by Ebola in West Africa, while still ensuring those working to fight Ebola can travel freely.
  • The CDC must make absolutely certain that local hospitals have the most up-to-date CDC protocols, are training our brave health care professionals in those protocols, and have the equipment to protect themselves and treat patients should someone showing symptoms of Ebola arrive at their facility.
  • Redouble efforts to protect our troops sent abroad to help fight Ebola. Ensure any troops that are sent to West Africa to help contain the Ebola outbreak are thoroughly trained in CDC protocols and have the proper equipment to protect themselves from the virus.
  • Prepare a team of infection experts ready to travel to Minnesota or any destination throughout the country to provide direct assistance should any new case of Ebola arise.

While these measures will help end the disease at home, I realize the only true way to end the threat to Americans is by stopping the outbreak in Africa. This will require an international response. If Congressional action is needed to authorize more resources for this important endeavor, I stand ready to assist and would urge Congressional leadership to call Congress back into session immediately.

Sincerely,

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