A small number of Whatcom County residents who recently returned from an Ebola-affected African country are being monitored, with no symptoms reported and no evidence of exposure.
Washington state health officials said no Ebola cases are known in the state or the U.S. as of May 29, and symptomatic travelers would be stopped through airport screening before returning locally.
Multiple Washington jurisdictions are also tracking returning travelers, and Whatcom officials expect monitoring to continue for months because the Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak is not under control.
The DRC outbreak has caused about 1,000 confirmed and suspected cases and 220 deaths; the Bundibugyo strain is drawing added concern because no approved vaccine or treatment exists.
Without a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, are we better prepared for its return today?
Did the Ebola travel bans of the past ultimately help or hinder the global response?
In epidemic hot zones, how can responders overcome the deadly mix of disease and public distrust?