Fort Report: Ebola

We’ve all seen the grim news headlines – a deadly virus with obscure origins and no known cure is killing thousands and spreading fear across the world. Ebola is a gruesome disease with a high mortality rate. Believed to have originated in Guinea, the epidemic has ravaged West Africa, hitting the neighboring nations of Liberia and Sierra Leone with particular intensity.

Difficulties in containing the virus are causing widespread concern. As West Africa battles Ebola, several cases have been reported in Europe. A Liberian national died from the disease in Texas, causing genuine worry about the potential impact of the virus in America.  

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has received national attention for the successful treatment of an American doctor who fell ill with Ebola while in Liberia. He overcame the virus in an advanced biocontainment unit that was specifically designed to provide quarantined medical care in conditions of maximum safety.

Legitimate questions are being raised about the spread of Ebola and the adequacy of efforts to protect the country. You deserve to know how your government is currently meeting the challenges. The United States Agency for International Development is aiding countermeasures against the virus at its point of origin. The head of the agency recently told me that there has not been an Ebola epidemic like this before – this outbreak is quite unique in the history of disease control. In America, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has primary responsibility for preventing Ebola victims from coming into contact with others. The CDC is working with the Department of Homeland Security to monitor airports and screen people with symptoms of infection to detect those who may be carrying the virus into our country. Part of the debate on containing Ebola centers on the need for tighter travel restrictions in the interest of public safety.  

One of the countries hardest hit is Liberia. It’s interesting to note that Liberia has a very strong and long-standing relationship with the United States. Liberia’s airport was a staging area for our invasion of North Africa during World War II. I’ve been there – it looks about the same. The President of Liberia holds dual-citizenship in America. Like many struggling, developing countries, Liberia and its neighbors lack proper infrastructure and medical proficiency to stop the disease themselves. President Obama has sent American troops to assist with hospital building.  

Ebola needs to be met with resistance and vigor, as well as compassion for those suffering from the virus. The efforts of the United States show that we have the capacity, will, and humanitarian courage to help, but an effective response must be also international. The international community must consolidate and intensify its campaign to stop the further spread of Ebola, particularly on international flights. We live in a very interconnected world. 

If you are interested in more information as I receive it from the federal government, please contact my office so I can pass it along to you.