The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to send Americans exposed to the Ebola virus to Kenya for observation and treatment, rather than bringing them back to the United States, according to a New York Times report citing individuals familiar with the plans.
The move would represent a significant shift from previous U.S. responses to infectious disease outbreaks. In past cases, American citizens and healthcare workers exposed to Ebola were typically repatriated for monitoring and specialized care in high-containment medical facilities within the United States.
According to the report, the administration is establishing a quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya through a coordinated effort involving the U.S. State Department, Department of Defense, and Department of Health and Human Services. A few dozen officers from the U.S. Public Health Service are reportedly being trained for deployment to Kenya to provide medical care for Americans considered at high risk of developing Ebola.
Initially, the plan called for monitoring exposed Americans in Kenya before transferring any who developed symptoms to Europe for treatment. However, the administration now reportedly intends to provide full treatment within Kenya, including for U.S. government scientists and physicians who may become infected.
The White House declined to comment on the reported plans.
