FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2014  

Reps. Hudson and Brooks Urge CDC to Update ‘Do Not Board’ List

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee, and Susan Brooks (R-IN), Chairman of the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Subcommittee, released the following statements after urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to place individuals who have been exposed to the Ebola virus on the ‘Do Not Board’ list enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a minimum of 21 days:

"It is important that everyone remain calm and understand that the risk of an Ebola outbreak in this country remains extremely low,” said Hudson. “That being said, it is absolutely critical that we examine our protocols and utilize every layer of security to protect public health and prevent a tragic situation from becoming worse. In light of the Dallas health care worker’s ability to board a commercial flight while being monitored for signs of infection, I am urging the CDC to temporarily restrict the travel of all individuals being monitored or under quarantine."

“This step is necessary to protect the health of the American people,” said Brooks. “We cannot allow individuals who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus to compromise the safety of airline passengers or the general public. While I am confident in our ability to manage this significant public health challenge, it’s extremely vital that the CDC and other government agencies take smart and decisive steps to limit potential risks.” 

The ‘Do Not Board’ list should include any health care worker assigned to the treatment of an Ebola patient, or other person being monitored as a result of possible exposure.

To learn more, click here to read the letter to CDC Director Tom Frieden.

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