CDC seeking volunteers to control Ebola at U.S. airports, entry points
Citing major cuts to staffing at federal healthcare agencies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeking volunteers at the agency to work at airports in an effort to screen for the Ebola virus, as cases in Africa surge.
In an internal email, Acting Director of the CDC Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, said entry points into the U.S. will require screening of high-risk passengers in order to stop the potential spread of the deadly contagious disease. Ebola is characterized by fever, hemorrhaging and severe bleeding—symptoms that may not appear immediately due to the virus’s incubation period.
The email follows an official declaration on May 18, labeling the Ebola outbreak a Level 2 emergency, requiring an intermediate level of response as a precaution. Currently, the spread has not been declared a pandemic.
Currently a strain of Ebola called Bundibugyo has been spreading rapidly in Congo, Uganda and elsewhere. It could end up being one of the largest and most deadly in modern history, as treatment protocols have been unable to thwart the spread.
Currently, the World Health Organization has ranked this round of Ebola as the third largest in recorded history. More than 220 people have been confirmed dead, with thousands currently ill. Ebola has a mortality rate as high as 90% with treatment, though that number drops significantly with early supportive care, antiviral treatments and vaccination efforts.
While there are no confirmed cases in the U.S., isolated cases have been identified stateside in the past—a situation the CDC is looking to avoid with Level 2 protocols in place for containment.
International travelers, including American citizens, may be subject to screening. However, there are not enough workers available to make that a reality, prompting the CDC to seek volunteers.
Health screenings have begun
The agency confirmed on its website that enhanced screening operations are currently happening at port stations as part of a normal health screening. Without additional public health experts and medical providers to support the effort, the CDC told employees it will not be able to keep up with demand needed to maintain screening operations.
Staff will be tasked with checking for any signs of the illness, an assessment that includes a symptom and temperature check, the CDC wrote in its email.
It remains to be seen if the agency will be able to fill the roles. HealthExec reached out to the CDC for comment.
This is a developing story.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.