Ebola fears prompt calls for travel restrictions between U.S., West Africa

The Washington Times ^ | October 2, 2014 | Stephen Dinan & Tom Howell Jr.

[jazusamo]

Thomas Eric Duncan case raises questions about U.S. preparedness to stem deadly virus

The first case of Ebola diagnosed within the U.S. is prompting calls for heavy travel restrictions between the U.S. and those West African countries hardest hit by the outbreak — and one advocate is even warning against the possibility of “Ebola tourism” by patients seeking better care here.

Thomas Eric Duncan, the first diagnosed case, remained in isolation in a Texas hospital Thursday after having traveled from Liberia last month, leaving health officials to try to track down up to 100 persons he may have come in contact with. Hawaii officials, meanwhile, had put a patient in isolation, fearing another Ebola case there, but by Thursday afternoon had dismissed those concerns.

Still, Mr. Duncan’s case has raised thorny questions about U.S. preparedness and the steps the country is prepared to take to try to stem the spread of the deadly virus.

For now, the administration is rejecting calls for a visa ban for West Africans. “I don’t believe that’s something we’re considering,” a State Department spokeswoman told reporters. Health officials have described the Texas case, in which Mr. Duncan exhibited symptoms but was released from a hospital for two days, as a fluke misstep.

Calls for a travel ban extend back to the summer, when the disease first started to spread in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Rep. Alan Grayson, Florida Democrat, was one of the earliest to propose restrictions, calling for a 90-day ban on travel from Ebola-touched countries to the U.S.

[virgil]

I don’t this guy as much as I blame the stupid ass govt. They refused to put travel restrictions from these countries. Refused and they’ll keep refusing. Just watch. This is all intentional.

[Nip]

What about the 3,000, or more, American military personnel who are being ORDERED to go to West Africa to help support (fight with/in place of) health professionals/

BTW - at a recent meeting in London most of the attendees agreed that the militaries from various nations are the best resource available to fight Ebola. Something about moving fast, working hard, and disciplined personnel. I don’t know about the rest of you; but, those adjectives individually and collectively apply to only few military forces. The demonstrated performance of most nations’ militaries have been found wanting since the mid 1990s.

[RayChuang88]

I would immediately impose a six to nine month ban on anyone from western Africa coming to the USA unless under strict medical supervision (and possible isolation).

[Lazamataz]