US government officials say they’re considering bringing in tougher screening methods for airline passengers arriving from West Africa. But there’ll be no travel ban at least for now.
U.S. President Barack Obama is sounding the alarm on Ebola. The virus has killed more than 3,000 people in West Africa and at least one American has been diagnosed with the disease.
"This is an issue about our safety," Obama said, "it is also an issue with respect to the political stability and economic stability of this region and so it is very important for us to make sure that we are treating this the same way that we would treat any other significant national security threat."
As it stands people leaving Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia get their temperatures taken before they’re allowed to board their flights. Airline crews have also been told to keep an eye out for sick passengers.
"There also is a protocol in place for Customs and Border Control officers who are manning our ports of entry to be on the lookout for individuals again that may be exhibiting symptoms of Ebola," White House Spokesman Josh Earnest said. "In other words that are contagious with Ebola, and you know we have a lot of confidence in that multi-layered system.
The Obama Administration says it’s looking at ways to further beef up security measures. It wasn’t immediately clear exactly how or when the changes might happen but officials say it will not include a travel ban. European nations haven’t issued a blanket ban, either.
Industry experts say if an Ebola-effected passenger boards a flight and infects other travelers, the airline could be held financially responsible. Under international travel rules, passengers affected by accidents, including disease, are entitled to a payout of at least $160 thousand dollars if they file complaints against their airline.
Meanwhile, governments around the world say the best way to fight the spread of Ebola is stopping it at its source. So far, more than $325 million dollars have been sent to West Africa to help fight the virus.