Share

New York Ebola victim fooled 'enhanced' airport screening

accreditation

The doctor who has been diagnosed with Ebola in New York City arrived at John F. Kennedy International airport on 17 October and went through the improved screening for travellers from the three worst-hit West African countries, officials said on Thursday.

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control (CDC) said the patient, who had worked with Ebola patients in Guinea, "participated in the enhanced screening for all returning travelers from these countries" upon his arrival at JFK.

Read: Airport screening essential for curbing spread of Ebola

This referred to special screening introduced earlier this month at five major U.S. airports – including JFK – for travellers coming from the three countries in West Africa worst hit by Ebola: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The doctor "went through multiple layers of screening and did not have a fever or other symptoms of illness," the CDC added in a statement. The CDC did not name the patient, but he was identified by other officials as Dr. Craig Spencer.

Read more:
 

How the Western Cape has prepared for Ebola 
Ebola virus FAQ 
Is it Ebola or is it flu?

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE