By Sam Wroblewski, reporting by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
In light of the recent news that a Rhode Island resident has contracted Ebola while overseas in Liberia, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse believe the state is ready to combat the virus.
“I’ve been in discussion on a frequent basis with Dr. Fine he has been briefing people, he is accurately aware of what’s going on,” said Reed.
Department of Health Director Michael Fine recently told WPRO’s John DePetro that the state has been preparing for two months for potential cases of Ebola in Rhode Island.
Whitehouse agreed, saying Rhode Island has an excellent track record managing contagious illnesses.
“On can never be too cautious, but I have confidence that based on our track record and based on what Director Fine has told me that we’re has prepared as we can be,” said Whitehouse.
While Whitehouse would not comment on measures the Federal Government is taking to ensure those infected with Ebola cannot get into the country, Reed said more is being done to enhance screenings of travelers from stricken countries.
“We’re taking very aggressive and frankly trying to take more steps in terms of first, ensuring that anyone entering the United States is being screened, they’re doing that and in fact enhanced the screening; Second, being prepared for our health communities to be on the lookout for any potential case of Ebola. And then also working with international partners in West Africa to stop the epidemic, because long term that would be the best protection we have world-wide against the spread of the disease.”
The fifth American to contract Ebola, Rhode Island native Ashoka Mukpo, is headed to Omaha Nebraska for treatment of the disease.
