Members of Congress Call for Anti-Ebola Measures

A Liberian man in America died from Ebola, health officials in Dallas, Texas, announced today. Thomas Eric Duncan was being treated at the Texas Health Presbyterian, where he had been in isolation since September 28. “Mr. Duncan succumbed to an insidious disease, Ebola. He fought courageously in this battle”, the hospital said in a press release.

U.S. Representative Pete Sessions, who represents Dallas, tweeted, “I offer my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Thomas Eric Duncan during this time.”

Prior to the announcement of Duncan’s death, a number of Members of Congress had already called on the government to take stronger measures to combat the spread of Ebola in the United States. Yesterday, Senator Bill Nelson of Florida sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry urging travel restrictions from peoples from the affected areas of West Africa. “It would seem that another means of reducing the chances of exposure to the virus here at home would be to temporarily suspend unnecessary travel to the United States”, he wrote. Last week, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas sent a letter requesting more information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Michael Huerta. “Given the severity of this virus and the fact that its spread to Texas has been associated with travel, it is imperative that the FAA take every available precaution in preventing additional cases from arriving in the United States”, he wrote.

Three Americans have recovered from the illness; another is still in treatment; and the condition of a fifth is unknown.

Yahoo! News: Ebola Patient Thomas Eric Duncan Dies at Dallas Hospital

Texas Health Presbyterian: Thomas Eric Duncan Succumbs to Ebola

Roll Call: Democratic Senator: Restrict Africa Visas Due to Ebola

Senator Bill Nelson: Lawmaker Calls for Added Steps to Battle Ebola

Senator Ted Cruz: Letter to FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta (October 2, 2014)

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