2 Americans with Ebola to be evacuated from West Africa
Two US citizens who have been infected by the Ebola virus in West Africa will be flown back to the United States for treatment in the coming days, the US State Department said on Friday.
A non-commercial aircraft as well as protocols and equipment of the US the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be used for the evacuation “so that they are carried out safely, thereby protecting the patient and the American public,” deputy spokesperson for the department Marie Harf said in a statement.
“Every precaution is being taken to move the patients safely and securely, to provide critical care en route on a non- commercial aircraft, and to maintain strict isolation upon arrival in the United States,” Ms Harf said.
“Upon arriving in the United States, the patients will be taken to medical facilities with appropriate isolation and treatment capabilities.”
Twitter has been abuzz with the news, with many strongly criticising the move to bring Ebola into the country.
Donald Trump, in particular, has been very vocal about his disapproval.
The CDC has been trying to allay the fears of the public.
Citing privacy considerations, the State Department would not confirm the names of the two patients.
Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian aid group, however, confirmed that one of its doctors in Liberia, Kent Brantly, and missionary Nancy Writebol were stricken with the Ebola virus.
Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham said the evacuation of the two is underway and “could be complete early in the week.”
Emory University Hospital in the US state of Georgia confirmed in a statement that it is prepared and ready to receive a patient with Ebola virus infection within the next several days.
According to the World Health Organization, the disease has killed 729 people and affected more than 1,300 this year.
Source: AFP
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