US Officials Enhance Ebola Screenings At Dulles, Other Airports

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The first known fatal victim of Ebola traveled through Dulles Airport on his way to Texas. Now US officials are enhancing Ebola screenings at certain airports.

Meghan McCorkell has more on what's being done.

The CDC is targeting airports where the bulk of flights from West Africa land---including Dulles.

Quarantine stations are being set up at five of the largest airports in the country---including Dulles International, where Thomas Eric Duncan went through customs back in August before falling ill with Ebola.

Federal officials will now pinpoint passengers who have recently flown from West Africa at Dulles, JFK, Newark, Chicago O'Hare and Atlanta airports for enhanced Ebola screenings.

"We are all concerned about safety. We're all concerned about making sure the American public is as safe as possible," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

Those passengers will have their temperatures taken and be questioned about whether they were exposed to anyone with the deadly virus. If there are any red flags, that person will be examined by a CDC officer.

Dulles Airport only has one flight going in and out of West Africa; that's on South African Airlines. But thousands of other international flights connect to Dulles.

Passengers and airport workers tell WJZ they welcome the extra screening.

"It would be a lot of danger if that stuff did spread around," said airport worker Shoaib Karamati.

"I don't see why not," said traveler Marie O'Connell. "To test people so the disease doesn't get back in here."

"A whole lot better. It makes me feel safer," said airport worker Muji Sayed.

The new screenings will be in place at all five airports by next week.

All passengers are also screened for Ebola symptoms in West Africa before they ever get on a place to the US.

Travelers from West Africa will also be asked to fill out a questionnaire and provide contact information to the CDC.

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