Americans Exposed to Ebola to Quarantine in Kenya

<p>Americans exposed to Ebola in Africa will quarantine in Kenya and be transferred to treatment facilities in Europe if they test positive, according to senior officials in the Trump administration. </p><p><strong>Context: </strong>The administration's decision to prevent affected Americans from returning to the U.S. has drawn criticism from some public health experts, who argue that there are specialized facilities in the U.S. capable of treating them. </p><hr /><p><strong>Details: </strong>Officials stated that transporting sick individuals to Europe would be quicker than sending them back to the U.S. and would ensure they receive prompt medical care.</p><ul><li>It remains unclear if sick Americans will eventually be allowed to return home.</li><li>Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated during a Cabinet meeting that the administration "cannot and will not allow any cases of Ebola to enter the United States." </li></ul><p><strong>Current Status: </strong>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Department are working to identify appropriate facilities that can treat American citizens who test positive for Ebola. </p><ul><li>Medical officers at the quarantine facility in Kenya will evaluate on a case-by-case basis whether symptomatic Americans should be transported for treatment.</li><li>The number of suspected Ebola cases is approaching 1,000, with the World Health Organization reporting difficulties in contact tracing and containment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.</li></ul><p><strong>Additional Information: </strong>The U.S. government has established a 50-bed quarantine camp at Laikipia Air Base in Kenya for Americans exposed or potentially exposed to the virus.</p><ul><li>The facility is set to become operational on Friday, although officials have stated that they are not aware of any individuals being immediately sent to the base.</li><li>Biocontainment and isolation units will be utilized for anyone who tests positive or shows symptoms until they can be moved to a medical facility.</li><li>The Kenyan government has approved this plan, according to officials.</li></ul><p>More than 30 members of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service are en route to Kenya, having received specialized training in protective gear, quarantine methods, and care for Ebola-positive individuals.</p>