CDC Expands Ebola Entry Screening to JFK Airport as Risk to U.S. Public Rated Low

New York City health officials began screening airline passengers arriving at John F. Kennedy airport on Friday after the CDC expanded its Ebola response. U.S. transport hub to implement the assessments, joining Washington Dulles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

The World Health Organization declared the Bundibugyo strain outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 15. The outbreak began in the northeastern Ituri province and spread to neighboring Uganda. As of May 30, the WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths.

U.S. has rerouted travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Uganda to select airports for enhanced screenings.

U.S. The order took effect immediately on May 29 and will remain in place for 30 days. Passengers selected for screening are escorted to a designated area, complete a questionnaire on travel history and symptoms, have their temperature checked with non-contact thermometers, and are observed for signs of illness by CDC staff.

The CDC stated that public health entry screening is one component of its layered approach and that the measures rest on current epidemiological evidence, ongoing risk assessments and the serious nature of the Bundibugyo strain.

U.S. public as low. U.S. from the affected countries monitor for Ebola symptoms for 21 days after departure.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising. The Bundibugyo strain carries a 30% to 50% mortality rate.