CDC Update on Ebola Response
This transcript may contain errors. Key points from the call hosted by Benjamin Haynes (CDC Moderator) and Dr. Satish K. Pillai (Incident Manager for CDC's Ebola response):
Outbreak Overview
This is a rapidly evolving Ebola outbreak. The risk to the United States remains low, but sustained international coordination is required.
CDC Priorities
- Stopping transmission at its source
- Supporting affected countries and neighboring nations
- Ensuring domestic readiness in the United States
Domestic Readiness Measures
- Enhanced travel screening (exit screening, entry restrictions)
- Travel screening implemented at four US airports
- Public health measures to prevent Ebola disease from entering the United States
International Support Activities
- Assistance to Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda through CDC country offices
- Support in epidemiology, laboratory work, and operational logistics
- Mobilization of resources from CDC headquarters
Staffing and Volunteers
More than 230 CDC staff are supporting the response, including:
- 24 staff in the DRC country office (mix of local and CDC employees)
- Nearly 100 staff in the Uganda country office
- 54 staff (including Commissioned Corps) staffing airport screening and regulatory stations in four US locations
Interest among CDC personnel to join response efforts remains high. Additional qualified personnel were requested to support activities such as airport screening.
Q&A Highlights
- Questions on quarantine facilities in Kenya were referred to the Department of State.
- CDC provides risk assessment guidance; casual exposures do not equate to high risk of infection.
- Movement and monitoring protocols (including definitions of exposure) are determined by the lead federal agencies.
Conclusion
CDC continues to work with partners to stop transmission, protect affected communities, and maintain readiness in the United States. Outbreaks remind us that infectious diseases do not respect borders.