Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) today released the following constituent guide on Ebola. The information below provides an overview of the virus and links to helpful resources.
WHAT IS EBOLA?
Ebola is a disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. The 2014 outbreak is the largest since the disease was discovered in 1976. There is widespread transmission of the disease in three West African countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
HOW DOES EBOLA SPREAD?
Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes–eyes, nose, mouth) with bodily fluids of an infected person.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR EBOLA?
Healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting sick because they may come in contact with infected blood or body fluids of sick patients.
WHAT SHOULD TRAVELERS KNOW ABOUT EBOLA?
There are no direct flights from the affected West African countries to the United States. Passengers travel to the United States from the affected West African countries using connecting flights are required to arrive in one of five U.S. Airports: JFK, Washington-Dulles, Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, and Atlanta International. Upon arrival, these passengers are screened for Ebola. You can find more information about passenger screening at the Customs and Border Patrol website.
WHAT IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING TO ADDRESS EBOLA?
President Obama has appointed Ron Klain to serve as the federal government’s Ebola response coordinator. He will coordinate the efforts of several agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD) to respond to and contain the disease in the United States and internationally.
LINKS TO EBOLA INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Centers for Disease Control
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
U.S. Department of State
