Ebola virus cases in the United States: Difference between revisions

<!--Transcluded sections for use on [[Thomas Eric Duncan]]--><section begin=duncan6 />Duncan, who had been visiting family in Dallas, was treated at [[Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas|Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas]].<ref name="nyt 20141002-1">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/us/after-ebola-case-in-dallas-health-officials-seek-those-who-had-contact-with-patient.html | work=The New York Times | first1=Manny | last1=Fernandez | first2=Norimitsu | last2=Onishi | title=U.S. Patient Aided Ebola Victim in Liberia | date=October 1, 2014}}</ref><ref name="WYFF4">{{cite web|url=http://www.wyff4.com/health/thomas-eric-duncan-from-healthy-to-ebola/28360418|title=Thomas Eric Duncan: From healthy to Ebola|website=WYFF4|access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> By October 4, Duncan'shis condition had deteriorated from "serious but stable" to "critical".<ref>{{cite web|title=First US Ebola case Thomas Duncan 'critical'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29493759|website=BBC News|access-date=October 4, 2014|date=October 4, 2014}}</ref> On October 8, Duncanhe died of Ebola.<ref name="cnn 20141008">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/health/ebola-us/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|title=Texas Ebola patient dies|date=October 8, 2014|work=CNN|access-date=October 8, 2014}}</ref><section end=duncan6/> The other three cases diagnosed in the United States {{as of|2014|10|lc=yes}} were:

No one who contracted Ebola while in the United States died from it. No new cases were diagnosed in the United States after Spencer was released from Bellevue Hospital on November 11, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nyc-doctor-craig-spencer-heads-home-ebola-free/|title=NYC doctor heads home, Ebola free|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=November 11, 2014 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref>

[[Thomas Eric Duncan]] <section begin=duncan5/>was from [[Monrovia, Liberia]], to date the country hit hardest by the [[Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa|Ebola virus epidemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/ebola-liberia-fao-23sept14/2459532.html|title=Ebola Weakens Liberia Food Security|website=VOA|date=September 23, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2014}}</ref> DuncanHe worked as a personal driver for the general manager of Safeway Cargo, a [[FedEx]] contractor in Liberia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/02/liberia-ebola-patient-thomas-duncan-airport-screening/16591753|title=Liberia says Dallas Ebola patient lied on exit documents|date=October 2, 2014|access-date=October 14, 2014|work=USA Today}}</ref> According to manager Henry Brunson, Duncan had abruptly quit his job on September 4, 2014, giving no reason.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/world/africa/ebola-victim-texas-thomas-eric-duncan.html | work=The New York Times | first=Norimitsu | last=Onishi | title=Liberian Officials Identify Ebola Victim in Texas as Thomas Eric Duncan | date=October 1, 2014}}</ref><section end=duncan5/><section begin=duncan1/>

On September 19, Duncan went to [[Monrovia Airport]], where, according to Liberian officials, Duncanhe lied about his history of contact with the disease on an airport questionnaire before boarding a [[Brussels Airlines]] flight to [[Brussels]]. In Brussels, Duncanhe boarded [[United Airlines]] Flight 951 to [[Washington Dulles Airport]].<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/03/world/africa/dallas-ebola-patient-thomas-duncan-airport-screening.html "Ebola Patient in Dallas Lied on Screening Form, Liberian Airport Official Says"], ''The New York Times'', October 2, 2014</ref> From Dulles, he boarded [[United Airlines]] Flight 822 to Dallas/Fort Worth. He arrived in Dallas at 7:01&nbsp;p.m. CDT<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL822/history|title=History ✈ United #822 ✈ FlightAware|website=FlightAware|access-date=October 2, 2014}}</ref> on September 20, 2014,<ref name="nyt 20141002-1" /><ref name="WYFF4"/> and stayed with his partner and her five children, who lived in the Fair Oaks apartment complex in the [[Vickery Meadow]] neighborhood of Dallas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/dallas-man-says-u-s-ebola-victim-had-been-ill-1412270496|title=Dallas Man Tells of U.S. Ebola Patient's Decline|date=October 2, 2014|work=WSJ|access-date=October 4, 2014|first=Dan|last=Frosch}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/01/us/retracing-the-steps-of-the-dallas-ebola-patient.html | work=The New York Times | title=Retracing the Steps of the Dallas Ebola Patient | date=October 1, 2014}}</ref> [[Vickery Meadow]], the neighborhood in Dallas where Duncan residedlived, has a large African immigrant population and is Dallas's densest neighborhood.<ref>"[http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/park-cities/headlines/20141011-vickery-meadow-neighborhood-is-melting-pot-of-america.ece Vickery Meadow neighborhood is 'melting pot of America']" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20150721232158/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/park-cities/headlines/20141011-vickery-meadow-neighborhood-is-melting-pot-of-america.ece Archive]). ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''. October 11, 2014. Updated October 12, 2014. Retrieved on July 14, 2015.</ref>

Duncan began experiencing symptoms on September 24, 2014, and arrived at the [[Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas|Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital]] emergency room at {{nowrap|10:37 p.m.}} on September 25.<ref name="USHouseNotes">{{cite web|url=http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/congressional-committee-releases-timeline-detailing-how-presbyterian-treated-ebola-patient-thomas-eric-duncan.html|title=Congressional committee releases timeline detailing how Presbyterian treated Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan|website=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|access-date=October 25, 2014|date=October 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025203856/http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/congressional-committee-releases-timeline-detailing-how-presbyterian-treated-ebola-patient-thomas-eric-duncan.html/|archive-date=October 25, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> At {{nowrap|11:36 p.m.}}, a triage nurse asked Duncanhim about his symptoms, and Duncanhe reported feeling "abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea and headache (new onset)".<ref name="USHouseNotes"/> The nurse recorded a fever of {{convert|100.1|F|C}}, but did not inquire as to his travel history as this was not triage protocol at the time.<ref name="USHouseNotes"/> At {{nowrap|12:05 a.m.}}, Duncan was admitted into a treatment area room where the on-duty physician accessed the [[electronic health record]] (EHR). The physician noted nasal congestion, a runny nose, and abdominal tenderness. Duncan was given [[paracetamol]] (acetaminophen) at {{nowrap|1:24 a.m.}}<ref name="USHouseNotes"/> [[X-ray computed tomography|CT scan]] results came back noting "no acute disease" for the abdominal and pelvic areas and "unremarkable" for the head.<ref name="USHouseNotes"/> Lab results returned showing slightly low [[white blood cells]], low [[platelets]], increased [[creatinine]], and elevated levels of the liver enzyme [[Aspartate transaminase|AST]].<ref name="USHouseNotes"/><ref name=OrigHouseNotes>{{cite web|title=Notable Elements of Mr. Duncan's Initial Emergency Department Visit|url=http://energycommerce.house.gov/sites/republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/files/Hearings/OI/20141016/Timeline2.pdf|publisher=US Congress|access-date=October 27, 2014}}</ref> His temperature was noted at {{convert|103.0|F|C}} at {{nowrap|3:02 a.m.}} and {{convert|101.2|F|C}} at {{nowrap|3:32 a.m.}} Duncan was diagnosed with [[sinusitis]] and abdominal pain and sent home at {{nowrap|3:37 a.m.}} with a prescription for [[antibiotics]], which are not effective for treating [[viral disease]]s.<ref name="USHouseNotes"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/10/01/texas-patient-with-ebola-told-hospital-workers-during-initial-visit-he-had-traveled-from-west-africa|title=Texas Ebola patient told hospital of travel from West Africa but was released|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=October 3, 2014|first=Mark|last=Berman|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref><section end=duncan1/> <section begin=duncan2/>

Duncan's condition worsened, and he was transported on September 28 to the same Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital emergency room by ambulance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-03/electronic-record-gap-allowed-ebola-man-to-leave-hospital.html|title=Electronic-Record Gap Allowed Ebola Patient to Leave Hospital|work=Bloomberg|access-date=October 3, 2014|first=Kelly|last=Gilblom|date=October 3, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-dallas-ebola-hospital-20141002-story.html|title=Dallas hospital says Ebola patient denied being around sick people|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 3, 2014|date=October 2, 2014}}</ref> DuncanHe arrived in the emergency room at {{nowrap|10:07 a.m.}}, experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.<ref name="NYTimesDuncanTimeline">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/10/25/us/ebola-dallas-timeline.html|title=Details of Duncan's Treatment Reveal a Wobbly First Response to Ebola|date=October 25, 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 25, 2014}}</ref> Within fifteen minutes, a doctor noted that Duncan had recently come from Liberia and needed to be tested for Ebola. The doctor described following "strict [CDC] protocol" including wearing a mask, gown, and gloves. At {{nowrap|12:58 p.m.}}, the doctor called the CDC directly. By {{nowrap|9:40 p.m.}}, Duncan was experiencing explosive diarrhea and projectile vomiting.<ref name="NYTimesDuncanTimeline"/> At {{nowrap|8:28 a.m.}} the next morning, the doctor noted that Duncanhe "appeared to be deteriorating". By {{nowrap|11:32 a.m.}}, Duncanhe was severely fatigued, enough to prevent him from using the bedside toilet.<ref name="NYTimesDuncanTimeline"/> Later that day, Duncanhe was transferred to an [[intensive care unit]] (ICU) after all other patients had been evacuated. The next day, September 30, Duncanhe was diagnosed with Ebola virus disease after a positive test result.<ref name="NYTimesDuncanTimeline"/>

Duncan's diagnosis was publicly confirmed during a CDC news conference the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2014ebolaoutbreak.com/ebola-us-ebola-dallas|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141013214342/http://2014ebolaoutbreak.com/ebola-us-ebola-dallas|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2014|title=Ebola in the US – Ebola in Dallas|website=2014 Ebola Outbreak|access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ebola-virus-outbreak/how-did-ebola-patient-escape-two-days-n216216|title=How Did The Ebola Patient Escape for Two Days?|author=Maggie Fox|website=NBC News|date=October 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref><section end=duncan2/> That evening, Duncan reported feeling better and requested to watch a movie. The following morning, Duncanhe was breathing rapidly and complaining of "pain all over".<ref name="NYTimesDuncanTimeline"/> By the afternoon, however, he was able to eat, and the doctor noted that he was feeling better. The next day, October 3, Duncanhe again reported feeling abdominal pain. That evening, the hospital contacted [[Chimerix]], a biotechnology company developing [[Brincidofovir]] to combat the disease. The next day, Duncan's [[Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome|organs were failing]], and he was [[Tracheal intubation|intubated]] to help him breathe. In the afternoon, the hospital began administering Brincidofovir.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/06/experimental-drug-dallas-ebola-thomas-eric-duncan_n_5941104.html|title=Dallas Ebola Patient Receives Experimental Drug|date=October 6, 2014|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=October 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/globenewswire/10101305.htm |title=Chimerix Announces Emergency Investigational New Drug Applications for Brincidofovir Authorized by FDA for Patients With Ebola Virus Disease |access-date=October 7, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006184937/https://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/globenewswire/10101305.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}</ref> Nurses Nina Pham and Amber Joy Vinson continued to care for Duncan around the clock. On October 7, the hospital reported that Duncan's condition was improving.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://time.com/3478742/ebola-dallas-patient|title=Dallas Ebola Patient Improves Slightly|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=October 8, 2014|first=Alexandra|last=Sifferlin|date=October 7, 2014}}</ref> However, Duncanhe died at {{nowrap|7:51 a.m.}} on October 8, becoming the first person to die in the United States of Ebola virus disease and the index patient for the later infections of nurses Pham and Vinson.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-ebola-patient-thomas-eric-duncan-died/story?id=26045360|title=Texas Ebola Patient Thomas Eric Duncan Has Died|website=ABC News|access-date=October 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/united-states-imported-case.html|title=Cases of Ebola Diagnosed in the United States|publisher=CDCP|access-date=October 16, 2014}}</ref>

<section begin=duncan7/>{{anchor|Liberian government reaction}}On October 2, Liberian authorities said they could prosecute Duncan if he returned because before flying he had filled out a form in which he had falsely stated he had not come into contact with an Ebola case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ebola-virus-outbreak/liberia-prosecute-man-who-brought-ebola-united-states-n216876|title=Liberia to Prosecute Man Who Brought Ebola to United States|website=NBC News|date=October 2, 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> Liberian President [[Ellen Johnson Sirleaf]] told the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] she was angry with Duncan for what he had done, especially given how much the United States was doing to help tackle the crisis: "One of our compatriots didn't take due care, and so, he's gone there and in a way put some Americans in a state of fear, and put them at some risk, and so I feel very saddened by that and very angry with him.&nbsp;... The fact that he knew (he might be a carrier) and he left the country is unpardonable, quite frankly."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/02/health/ebola-us/index.html|title=Liberian President criticizes Ebola patient in Dallas|date=October 2, 2014|work=CNN|access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref>

[[Tom Frieden]], director of the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]], initially blamed a breach in protocol for the infection.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/10/12/dallas-health-care-worker-who-treated-thomas-eric-duncan-has-tested-positive-for-ebola/|title=CDC confirms second Ebola case in Texas. Health worker wore 'full' protective gear|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 12, 2014|first=Abby|last=Phillip|date=October 12, 2014}}</ref> The hospital's chief clinical officer, Dr. Dan Varga, said all staff had followed CDC recommendations. Bonnie Costello of [[National Nurses United]] said, "You don't scapegoat and blame when you have a disease outbreak. We have a system failure. That is what we have to correct."<ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-health-ebola-usa-nurse-20141012-story.html#page=1 "U.S. CDC head criticized for blaming 'protocol breach' as nurse gets Ebola"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013181301/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-health-ebola-usa-nurse-20141012-story.html#page=1 |date=October 13, 2014 }}, ''Chicago Tribune'', October 13, 2014.</ref> Frieden later spoke to "clarify" that he had not found "fault with the hospital or the healthcare worker".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/10/14/6199347/facebook-founder-donates-25-million.html|title=Fort Worth Alcon worker exposed to Ebola|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|access-date=October 14, 2014}}</ref> National Nurses United criticized the hospital for its lack of Ebola protocols and for guidelines that were "constantly changing".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/15/health/texas-ebola-nurses-union-claims/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|title=Nurses' union slams Texas hospital for lack of Ebola protocol|publisher=CNN|access-date=October 15, 2014|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> Briana Aguirre, a nurse who had cared for Nina Pham, criticized the hospital in an appearance on NBC's ''Today Show''. Aguirre said that she and others had not received proper training or [[personal protective equipment]], and that the hospital had not provided consistent protocols for handling potential Ebola patients into the second week of the crisis.<ref name=AguirreInterview>{{cite web|last1=Lauer|first1=Matt|title=Dallas nurse Briana Aguirre|url=http://www.today.com/health/dallas-nurse-we-never-talked-about-ebola-thomas-eric-duncan-2D80220579|website=Today|date=October 16, 2014 |publisher=ABC|access-date=October 18, 2014}}</ref> A report indicated that healthcare workers did not wear hazmat suits until Duncan's test results confirmed his infection due to Ebola, two days after his admission to the hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/10/24/358574357/was-cdc-too-quick-to-blame-dallas-nurses-in-care-of-ebola-patient|title=Was CDC Too Quick To Blame Dallas Nurses In Care Of Ebola Patient?|date=October 24, 2014|publisher=NPR.org|access-date=October 25, 2014}}</ref> Frieden later said that the CDC could have been more aggressive in the management and control of the virus at the hospital.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/15/ebola-isolation-90-minutes_n_5988860.html|title=Second Health Care Worker With Ebola Was In Isolation Within 90 Minutes: Official|work=Huffington Post|access-date=October 15, 2014|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref>

<section begin=duncan4/>On October 14, a second nurse at the same hospital, identified as 29-year-old Amber Vinson,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/10/15/family-identifies-2nd-health-care-worker-infected-with-ebola/|title=Second Ebola-infected nurse ID'd; flew domestic flight day before diagnosis|work=Fox News|access-date=October 15, 2014|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> reported a [[fever]]. Amber Joy Vinson<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Amber-Vinson-Ebola-Dallas-Cleveland-Texas-Nurse-279563442.html|title=What We Know About Amber Joy Vinson, 2nd Dallas Nurse Diagnosed With Ebola|date=October 18, 2014|author=Justin Ray|publisher=KXAS-TV NBC5 DFW}}</ref> was among the nurses who had provided treatment for Duncan. Vinson was isolated within 90 minutes of reporting the fever. By the next day, Vinson had tested positive for Ebola virus.<ref>{{cite news|title=Second Health Care Worker Tests Positive for Ebola|url=https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/content.aspx?id=8589991239|work=Texas Department of State Health Services|access-date=October 15, 2014|archive-date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022230448/https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/content.aspx?id=8589991239|url-status=dead}}</ref><section end=duncan4 /> On October 13, Vinson had flown [[Frontier Airlines]] Flight 1143 from Cleveland to Dallas, after spending the weekend in [[Tallmadge, Ohio|Tallmadge]] and [[Akron, Ohio]].<!-- See ohio.com --> Vinson had an elevated temperature of {{convert|99.5|F|C}} before boarding the 138-passenger jet, according to public health officials. Vinson had flown to Cleveland from Dallas on [[Frontier Airlines]] Flight 1142 on October 10.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/10/15/ebola-stricken-nurse-flew-on-a-passenger-plane-a-day-before-being-diagnosed|title=Health-care worker with Ebola flew on commercial flight a day before being diagnosed|newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Mark|last=Berman|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> Flight crew members from Flight 1142 were put on paid leave for 21 days.<ref name="Obama May Name 'Czar' to Oversee Ebola Response">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/17/us/obama-may-name-ebola-czar-after-amber-joy-vinson-flight-causes-concern.html|title=Obama May Name 'Czar' to Oversee Ebola Response|work=The New York Times|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=October 17, 2014|author1=Jack Healy |author2=Sabrina Tavernise |author3=Abby Goodnough }}</ref>

It was later discovered that the CDC had, in fact, given Vinson permission to board a commercial flight to Cleveland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/health/2014/10/15/second-dallas-hospital-worker-diagnosed-ebola/17290677/|title=Ebola nurse got CDC OK for Cleveland trip|date=October 15, 2014|access-date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017141442/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/health/2014/10/15/second-dallas-hospital-worker-diagnosed-ebola/17290677/|archive-date=October 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Before her trip back to Dallas, she spoke to Dallas County Health Department and called the CDC several times to report her {{convert|99.5|F|C}} temperature before boarding her flight. A CDC employee who took her call checked a CDC chart, noted that Vinson's temperature was not a true fever – a temperature of {{convert|100.4|F|C}} or higher – which the CDC deemed as "high risk", and let her board the commercial flight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/ebola-patient-traveled-day-before-diagnosis/|title=CDC: Ebola Patient Traveled By Air With 'Low-Grade' Fever|website=[[CBS News]] |date=October 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Raab|first1=Lauren|title=Ebola patient Amber Vinson's family disputes CDC story, gets a lawyer|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-amber-vinson-ebola-20141019-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 26, 2014|date=October 19, 2014}}</ref> On October 19, Vinson's family released a statement detailing her government-approved travel clearances and announcing that they had hired a Washington, DC, attorney, [[Billy Martin (lawyer)|Billy Martin]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wkyc.com/story/news/local/northeast-ohio/2014/10/19/updated-statement-from-amber-vinsons-family/17585759|title=Amber Vinson's family releases updated statement|date=October 20, 2014|author=WKYC Staff, WKYC}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> As a precaution, sixteen people<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/akron/index.ssf/2014/10/first_summit_county_resident_u.html|title=Amber Joy Vinson's stepfather under strict Ebola quarantine, 16 Ohioans had contact with Vinson|website=cleveland.com|access-date=October 18, 2014|date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> in Ohio who had had contact with Vinson were voluntarily quarantined. On October 15, Vinson was transferred to the [[Emory University Hospital]] in Atlanta.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/nurse-ebola-arrives-emory/story?id=26212955|title=Second Nurse With Ebola Arrives at Emory|work=ABC News|access-date=October 15, 2014|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref> Seven days later, Vinson was declared Ebola free by Emory University Hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/nurse-amber-vinson-free-of-ebola-virus-family-says-001502702.html|title=Nurse Amber Vinson free of Ebola virus, family says|date=October 23, 2014|website=Yahoo News|access-date=October 23, 2014}}</ref>

{{As of|2014|10|15|df=us}}, there were 76 Texas Presbyterian Hospital health care workers being monitored because they had had some level of contact with Thomas Duncan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2014/10/ebola_outbreak_in_the_us_by_the_numbers.html|title=Ebola outbreak in the U.S., by the numbers|website=NJ.com|date=October 15, 2014 |access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> On October 16, after learning that Vinson had traveled on a plane before her Ebola diagnosis, the [[Texas Department of State Health Services]] advised all health care workers exposed to Duncan to avoid travel and public places until 21 days after their last known exposure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=8589992749|title=Movement of Persons with Possible Exposure to Ebola|publisher=Texas Department of State Health Services|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=October 17, 2014}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

U.S. Army Chiefchief of Staffstaff [[Ray Odierno]] ordered on October 27 a 21-day quarantine of all soldiers returning from Operation United Assistance. Up to 12 soldiers were quarantined in a U.S. base in Italy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/us-army-quarantine-troops-fighting-ebola/story?id=26486775|title=US Army to Quarantine Troops Who Were Fighting Ebola|author=ABC News|website=ABC News}}</ref>

On October 14, the WHO reported that 125 contacts in the United States were being traced and monitored.<ref name="Ebola_Outbreak_total_WHO_15_Oct">[http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/136508/1/roadmapsitrep15Oct2014.pdf?ua=1 Ebola Response Roadmap Update-October 15, 2014], World Health Organization, who.int.</ref> On October 20, the CDC updated its guidance on [[Personalpersonal Protectiveprotective Equipmentequipment]] with new detailed instructions that include specifying that no skin should be exposed and adding extensive instructions for donning and doffing the equipment.<ref name=CDCPPE>{{cite web|title=Procedures for PPE|url=https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/procedures-for-ppe.html|website=www.cdc.gov|publisher=CDC|access-date=October 21, 2014}}</ref> On October 20 CDC updated its guidance to add clarification that Ebola may spread through wet droplets such as sneezes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/infection-prevention-and-control-recommendations.html|title=Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Hospitalized Patients with Known or Suspected Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in U.S. Hospitals – Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever – CDC|access-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2014/10/29/cdc-admits-droplets-from-a-sneeze-could-spread-ebola/|title=CDC admits droplets from a sneeze could spread Ebola|date=October 29, 2014|work=New York Post|access-date=October 30, 2014|first=Bob|last=Fredericks}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/29/cdc-admits-ebola-can-be-passed-to-others-by-sneezi/|title=CDC admits Ebola can be passed to others by sneezing|website=[[The Washington Times]]|access-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref>

In mid-October 2014, President Barack Obama appointed [[Ron Klain]] as the "Ebola response coordinator" of the United States. Klain is a lawyer who previously served as [[Joechief Biden]]'sof andstaff to vice presidents [[Al Gore]]'s and [[ChiefJoe of Staff to the Vice President of the United States|chief of staffBiden]].<ref name="AP-20141017-JK">{{cite news|last=Kuhnhenn|first=Jim|title=President Obama appoints Ebola 'czar'|url=http://wpri.com/2014/10/17/president-obama-appoints-ebola-response-coordinator|date=October 17, 2014|work=[[AP News]]|access-date=October 17, 2014|archive-date=October 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017190406/http://wpri.com/2014/10/17/president-obama-appoints-ebola-response-coordinator/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Klain had no medical or health care experience.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/10/17/obamas-new-ebola-czar-does-not-have-medical-health-care-background|title=Obama's New Ebola 'Czar' Does Not Have Medical, Health Care Background|publisher=CBS DC|access-date=October 17, 2014|date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> After previous criticism, Obama said, "It may make sense for us to have one person&nbsp;... so that after this initial surge of activity, we can have a more regular process just to make sure that we're crossing all the T's and dotting all the I's going forward". Klain reported to White House [[United States Homeland Security Council|Homeland Security Adviser]] [[Lisa Monaco]] and [[National Security Advisor (United States)|National Security Advisor]] [[Susan Rice]].<ref name="NYT-20141017-JHD">{{cite news|last1=Davis|first1=Julie Hirschfeld |last2=Shear|first2=Michael D.|title=Ron Klain, Chief of Staff to 2 Vice Presidents, Is Named Ebola Czar|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/18/us/ron-klain-chief-of-staff-to-2-vice-presidents-is-named-ebola-czar.html|date=October 17, 2014|work=The New York Times |access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name=czar>{{cite news|last1=Loney|first1=Jim|title=Obama appoints Ebola czar; Texas health worker isolated on ship|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-ebola-usa-idUSKCN0I61BO20141017|access-date=October 17, 2014|work=Reuters|date=October 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="ebola czar">{{cite news|last1=Tapper|first1=Jake|title=First on CNN: Obama will name Ron Klain as Ebola Czar|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/17/politics/ebola-czar-ron-klain/index.html|access-date=October 17, 2014|publisher=CNN|date=October 19, 2014}}</ref><ref name="HP-20141017">{{cite news|last=Lavender|first=Paige|title=Obama To Appoint Ron Klain As Ebola Czar|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/17/ron-klain-ebola-czar_n_6003108.html|date=October 17, 2014|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> Klain did not coordinate with hospitals and the [[United States Public Health Service]], as this iswas the responsibility of [[Nicole Lurie]], Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/10/17/obama-to-name-ebola-czar|title=White House statement|author=Kelley Beaucar Vlahos|work=Fox News|date=October 17, 2014|access-date=October 23, 2014}}</ref> President Barack Obama attempted to calm public fears by hugging nurse Nina Pham who had been cured of Ebola.<ref>{{cite news|title=Barack Obama 'not at all concerned' about hugging cured Ebola patient – video|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2014/oct/25/barack-obama-hugging-cured-ebola-patient-dallas-nurse-nina-pham-video|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref>

Although no plans have been announced for other airports, screening in the U.S. represents a second layer of protection since passengers are already being screened upon exiting these three countries. However, the risk can never be eliminated.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/69533682f72f4d72aed9c6fd4d295bea/stepped-ebola-screening-starting-nyc-airport|title=Stepped-up Ebola screening starts at NYC airport|author=Karen Matthews|date=October 11, 2014|work=AP.org|access-date=October 12, 2014|quote='Already there are 100 percent of the travelers leaving the three infected countries are being screened on exit. Sometimes multiple times temperatures are checked along that process,' Dr. Martin Cetron, director of the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine for the federal Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, said at a briefing at Kennedy&nbsp;... The screening will be expanded over the next week to New Jersey's Newark Liberty, Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta.|archive-date=October 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011150205/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/69533682f72f4d72aed9c6fd4d295bea/stepped-ebola-screening-starting-nyc-airport|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 21, the [[Department of Homeland Security]] announced that all passengers from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea will be required to fly into one of these five airports.<ref>{{cite news|title=DHS imposes new restrictions on travelers from Ebola-stricken countries|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/10/21/dhs-imposes-new-restrictions-on-travelers-from-ebola-stricken-countries|publisher=Fox News|access-date=October 22, 2014|date=October 21, 2014}}</ref> On October 23, the CDC announced that all passengers from these countries would receive 21-day monitoring.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McNeil|first1=Donald|title=U.S. Plans 21-Day Watch of Travelers From Ebola-Hit Nations|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/health/us-to-monitor-travelers-from-ebola-hit-nations-for-21-days.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 23, 2014|date=October 22, 2014}}</ref>

There have also been calls by congressional leaders, including U.S. Representativerepresentative [[Ed Royce (politician)|Ed Royce]], Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representativerepresentative [[Michael McCaul]] of Texas, Chair of the Homeland Security Committee, to suspend issuing visas to travelers from the affected West African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/10/16/lawmakers-join-calls-to-stop-issuing-visas-to-travelers-from-ebola-infected/|title=Lawmakers call to halt visas to travelers from Ebola-infected nations|work=Fox News|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=October 27, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/15/ebola-travel-ban-republicans-shuster-thune-cdc-frieden/17318165|title=Republicans call for West Africa travel ban to curb Ebola|author=Bart Jansen|date=October 15, 2014|publisher=usatoday.com|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref>

On October 7, 2014, [[Connecticut]] governor [[Dannel Malloy]] signed an order authorizing the mandatory [[quarantine]] for 21 days of anyone, even if asymptomatic, who had direct contact with Ebola patients.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wtnh.com/2014/10/07/malloy-signs-ebola-emergency-declaration/|title=Malloy signs Ebola emergency declaration|publisher=WTNH|access-date=October 26, 2014|archive-date=October 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026044022/http://wtnh.com/2014/10/07/malloy-signs-ebola-emergency-declaration/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/nyregion/nurse-in-newark-tests-negative-for-ebola.html|title=Tested Negative for Ebola, Nurse Criticizes Her Quarantine|author1=Anemoma Hartocollis |author2=Emma G. Fitzsimmons |date=October 25, 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> Nine people were quarantined on October 22, in accordance with the Connecticut order.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courant.com/breaking-news/hc-west-haven-quarantine-1023-20141022-story.html|title=Officials: A Family of six is Quarantined In West Haven After Returning From West Africa. Three other individuals also are being quarantined|date=October 22, 2014|website=Hartford Courant|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref>

At a joint news conference on October 24, [[New York (state)|New York]] Governorgovernor [[Andrew Cuomo]] and [[New Jersey]] Governorgovernor [[Chris Christie]] announced that they were imposing a mandatory 21-day quarantine on all air travelers returning to New York and New Jersey from West Africa who have had contact with Ebola patients. In explaining the move from the CDC's voluntary quarantine to a state ordered mandatory one, Cuomo cited the case of Dr. Spencer. "In a region like this, you go out three times, you ride the subway, you ride the bus, you could affect hundreds of people." Cuomo praised Dr. Spencer's work but stated, "He's a doctor and even he didn't follow the voluntary quarantine. Let's be honest."<ref name="NY Daily News">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/mandatory-21-day-quarantine-travelers-risk-ebola-n-y-n-article-1.1986460|title=Travelers in contact with Ebola patients, including returning nurse with fever, now face mandatory 21-day quarantine in New York, New Jersey|work=NY Daily News|access-date=October 25, 2014|date=October 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Marchione|first1=Marilynn|last2=Stobbe|first2=Mike|title=NY, NJ Order Ebola Quarantine for Doctors, Others|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/1st-ebola-case-nyc-quarantined-26416922|access-date=October 25, 2014|work=ABC News|agency=Associated Press|date=October 24, 2014}}</ref>

Late on October 26, Cuomo modified the state's quarantine procedure, stating that people entering New York who have had contact with Ebola patients in West Africa will be quarantined in their homes for the 21 days, with twice daily checks to ensure their health has not changed and that they are complying with the order, and would receive some compensation for lost wages, if any.<ref name="NYT-NYNJ-INQ-relaxed">Matt Flegenheimer, Michael D. Shear, and Michael Barbaro, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/27/nyregion/ebola-quarantine.html "Ebola quarantine guidelines for NY and NJ"], ''The New York Times'', October 27, 2014.</ref> President Obama and his staff had been attempting to persuade New York Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Christie, and the [[government of Illinois]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2014/10/26/obama-ebola-quarantine-samantha-power-anthony-fauci/17955781/|title=White House working on new Ebola guidelines|author1=Aamer Madhani |author2=David Jackson |date=October 26, 2014|work=USA Today|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> to reverse their mandatory quarantines.<ref name="NYT-NYNJ-INQ-relaxed" />

[[Illinois]] Governorgovernor [[Pat Quinn (politician)|Pat Quinn]] issued a similar quarantine authorization the same day as New York and New Jersey initially did, with [[Florida]] Governorgovernor [[Rick Scott]] on October 25, authorizing mandatory twice daily monitoring for 21 days of people identified as coming from countries affected by Ebola.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-illinois-ebola-quarantine-20141025-story.html|title=Illinois Ebola quarantine|date=October 25, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=October 26, 2014}}</ref><ref name="florida">[http://abc7news.com/health/quarantined-nurse-being-isolated-is-inhumane/366391 Florida Governor Rick Scott on October 25 authorized mandatory twice daily monitoring for 21 days of people identified as coming from countries affected by Ebola] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026195828/http://abc7news.com/health/quarantined-nurse-being-isolated-is-inhumane/366391/ |date=October 26, 2014 }}, abc7news.com; accessed October 26, 2014.</ref> Illinois health officials later said that only people at high risk of Ebola exposure, such as not wearing protective gear near Ebola patients, will be quarantined.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-ebola-illinois-quarantine-met-20141027-story.html|title=Illinois clarifies mandatory 21-day Ebola quarantine |date=October 27, 2014|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=October 28, 2014}}</ref>

Kaci Hickox, an American nurse who treated Ebola patients in [[Sierra Leone]] became the first person placed under the new mandatory quarantine rules on her arrival at [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], in New Jersey. A low-accuracy (forehead) thermometer indicated Hickox developed a fever on Friday night and was taken to University Hospital in Newark. She later tested negative for the Ebola virus but remained quarantined in a medical tent. Hickox and Doctors Without Borders criticized the condition of the quarantine in a tent with a bed and a [[portable toilet]], but without shower facility.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bashan|first1=Yoni|last2=West|first2=Melanie Grayce|last3=Haddon|first3=Heather|title=Nurse Detained in New Jersey for Ebola Calls Conditions 'Really Inhumane'|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nurse-detained-in-new-jersey-for-ebola-calls-conditions-really-inhumane-1414352575|access-date=December 7, 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> Hickox expressed that it was inhumane.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Elizabeth|last2=Holland|first2=Leslie|last3=Ellis|first3=Ralph|title=Nurse describes Ebola quarantine ordeal: 'I was in shock. Now I'm angry'|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/26/health/new-jersey-quarantined-nurse/|access-date=December 7, 2014|publisher=CNN|date=October 27, 2014}}</ref> The hospital responded that they tried their best to accommodate Hickox by allowing her to have computer access, cell phone, reading materials, and providing take-out food and drink.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chappell|first1=Bill|title=Nurse Criticizes Quarantine After Negative Ebola Test, Hires Lawyer|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/10/26/359073978/nurse-aid-group-criticize-quarantine-after-negative-ebola-test|access-date=December 7, 2014|publisher=NPR|date=October 26, 2014}}</ref> On October 27, after being symptom free for an additional 24-hour period, testing negative for Ebola, and after the state's quarantine policy was relaxed the night before,<ref name="NYT-NYNJ-INQ-relaxed" /> Hickox was released from quarantine in New Jersey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ebola-virus-outbreak/new-jersey-releases-nurse-quarantined-suspected-ebola-n234661|title=New Jersey Releases Nurse Quarantined for Suspected Ebola|work=NBC News|date=October 27, 2014 |access-date=October 27, 2014}}</ref> She has filed suit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/christie-and-nurse-who-was-quarantined-over-ebola-fears-face-hurdles-in-quarantine-lawsuit-1.1445468|title=Rutgers University–New Brunswick}}</ref>

Hickox was escorted out of New Jersey and into Maine the following day by a private convoy of SUVs.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Shayna Jacobs |author2=Sasha Goldstein |author3=Corky Siemaszko |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/nurse-kaci-hickox-released-n-quarantine-officials-article-1.1988481 |title=Nurse Kaci Hickox heading for Maine after leaving New Jersey Ebola quarantine: officials |work=NY Daily News |date=October 27, 2014 |access-date=May 8, 2015 |location=New York}}</ref> [[Maine]] Governorgovernor [[Paul LePage]] announced he was joining with his state's health department in seeking legal authority to enforce the quarantine after Hickox announced she would not comply with the isolation protocols in Maine. She left her house on October 29 and 30.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-29/nurse-kaci-hickox-says-she-won-t-follow-maine-s-ebola-quarantine.html|title=Maine Governor Seeks to Make Nurse Abide by Quarantine|author=Michelle Kaske|date=October 29, 2014|work=Bloomberg}}</ref> The governor said: "She's violated every promise she's made so far, so I can't trust her. I don't trust her."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bangordailynews.com/2014/10/31/news/aroostook/judge-requires-monitoring-wont-ban-kaci-hickox-from-public-places-on-ebola-fears|title=After Kaci Hickox wins court reprieve, LePage says he doesn't trust her|author1=Julia Bayly |author2=Jackie Farwell |date=October 31, 2014|website=Bangor Daily News}}</ref> A Maine judge ruled against a mandatory quarantine on October 31, but required Hickox to comply with "direct active monitoring", to coordinate her travel with Maine health officials, and to notify health officials if she develops symptoms of Ebola.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/31/health/us-ebola/index.html|title=Maine judge rejects quarantine for nurse Kaci Hickox |author1=Ray Sanchez |author2=Catherine E. Shoichet |author3=Faith Karimi |date=October 31, 2014|publisher=CNN|access-date=November 1, 2014}}</ref>

On October 29, Texas Governorgovernor [[Rick Perry]] announced that a Texas nurse returning from Sierra Leone where she treated Ebola patients, had agreed to self-quarantine at her [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] home for 21 days following her return to Texas, and undergo frequent monitoring from state health officials. although she did not have any symptoms of Ebola virus. The nurse was not named to protect her privacy. Perry spoke with the nurse over the phone to thank her for work to fight Ebola.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/nurse-working-with-ebola-patients-lands-at-abia/260200027|publisher=KVUE|title=Nurse working with Ebola patients lands at ABIA|date= October 29, 2014}}</ref>

There were numerous overreactions to the perceived threat of an Ebola outbreak, particularly on the part of school officials. On October 16, a building housing two schools in the [[Solon City School District]] near [[Cleveland]], Ohio, was closed for a single day of disinfection procedures after finding that a staff member may have been on the aircraft that [[#Amber Vinson|Amber Vinson]] used on a previous flight.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wkyc.com/story/news/local/cuyahoga-county/2014/10/16/solon-school-closings/17340989/|title=Solon closes two schools Thursday as Ebola precaution|author=WKYC Staff|date=October 16, 2014|work=wkyc.com|access-date=October 16, 2014}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Another school in the [[Cleveland Metropolitan School District]] was disinfected overnight due to similar concerns but remained open. In both cases, affected staff were sent home until cleared by health officials. School officials said that they had been assured by city health officials that there was no risk and that the disinfection was "strictly precautionary".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fox8.com/2014/10/16/ebola-precautions-taken-at-cranwood-school-in-cleveland/|title=Ebola precautions taken at Cranwood School in Cleveland|author=Kara Sutyak|date=October 16, 2014|work=fox8|access-date=October 16, 2014}}</ref> Three schools in the [[Belton Independent School District]] in Belton, Texas, were also closed. Infectious disease experts considered these closures to be an overreaction and were concerned that it would frighten the public into believing that Ebola is a greater danger than it actually is.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/16/solon-ohio-ebola-school-closings/17343431/|title=Ohio, Texas schools close amid Ebola scare|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=October 16, 2014|quote=Three Central Texas schools were closed Thursday over health concerns surrounding two students who traveled on a Monday flight with Vinson.|newspaper=USA Today}}</ref>

The United States has the capacity to isolate and manage 11 patients in four specialized biocontainment units. These include the [[University of Nebraska Medical Center]] in Omaha, Nebraska, the [[National Institutes of Health]] in Bethesda, Maryland, [[St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center]] in Missoula, Montana and [[Emory University Hospital]] in Atlanta, Georgia.<ref name="abc 20141006"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/us-capacity-11-ebola-patients-specialized-hospitals/story?id=26251721|title=US Has Capacity for 11 Ebola Patients at Specialized Hospitals|author=ABC News|website=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://missoulian.com/news/local/st-patrick-hospital-of-sites-in-u-s-ready-for/article_da521772-4839-11e4-b266-4342d105e33f.html|title=St. Patrick Hospital 1 of 4 sites in U.S. ready for Ebola patients|author=Rob Chaney|website=Missoulian.com|date=September 30, 2014 |access-date=October 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unmc.edu/news.cfm?match=2050|title=CDC director at today's Biocontainment Unit unveiling|date=March 7, 2005|website=University of Nebraska Medical Center}}</ref>

There is as yet no medication for Ebola approved by the U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA).{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} The director of the US [[National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases]], Dr. [[Anthony Fauci]], has stated that the scientific community is still in the early stages of understanding how infection with the Ebola virus can be treated and prevented.<ref name=":8">Roberts, Dan – [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/16/ebola-congress-hearing-cdc-director News World news Ebola CDC director warns Ebola like 'forest fire' as Congress readies for hearing] – Ebola crisis live updates – The Guardian. Retrieved October 16, 2014.</ref> There is no cure or specific treatment that is currently approved.<ref name="Choi2013">{{cite journal |vauthors=Choi JH, Croyle MA| title = Emerging targets and novel approaches to Ebola virus prophylaxis and treatment | journal = BioDrugs | volume = 27 | issue = 6 | pages = 565–83 |date=December 2013 | pmid = 23813435|pmc=3833964| doi = 10.1007/s40259-013-0046-1}}</ref> However, survival is improved by early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment. Treatment is primarily [[Palliative care|supportive]] in nature.<ref name=Clark_2012>{{cite journal |vauthors=Clark DV, Jahrling PB, Lawler JV| title = Clinical management of filovirus-infected patients | journal = Viruses | volume = 4 | issue = 9 | pages = 1668–86 |date=September 2012 | pmid = 23170178 | pmc = 3499825 | doi = 10.3390/v4091668| doi-access = free }}</ref> A number of experimental treatments are being considered for use in the context of this outbreak, and are currently or will soon undergo [[clinical trial]]s.<ref>Briggs, Helen (August 7, 2014) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-28663217 "Ebola: Experimental drugs and vaccines"], BBC News, Health, Retrieved August 8, 2014</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ebola virus: Clinical trials of three new treatments for disease to start in West Africa|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/ebola-virus-clinical-trials-of-three-new-treatments-for-disease-to-start-in-west-africa-9857729.html|access-date=November 13, 2014 | location=London|work=The Independent|first=James|last=Rush|date=November 13, 2014}}</ref>

In December 2019, the first Ebola vaccine was approved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Commissioner |first=Office of the |date=2020-03-24 |title=First FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus disease, marking a critical milestone in public health preparedness and response |url=https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/first-fda-approved-vaccine-prevention-ebola-virus-disease-marking-critical-milestone-public-health |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=FDA |language=en}}</ref> [[rVSV-ZEBOV]], otherwise known as Ervebo, is a vaccine for adults that prevents the [[Zaire ebolavirus]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McKee |first=Selina |date=2019-12-23 |title=US approves Merck’sMerck's Ebola vaccine |url=https://www.pharmatimes.com/news/us_approves_mercks_ebola_vaccine_1320832 |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=PharmaTimes |language=en}}</ref>

{{anchor|Rejection of student admissions}}In October 2014, [[Navarro College]], a two-year public school located in Texas, received media attention for admission rejection letters sent to two prospective students from Nigeria. The letters informed the applicants that the college was "not accepting international students from countries with confirmed [[Ebola]] cases".<ref name = "ebola">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ebola-virus-outbreak/texas-college-rejects-nigerian-applicants-cites-ebola-cases-n226291|title=Texas College Rejects Nigerian Applicants, Cites Ebola Cases – NBC News|author=Dan Mangan|website=[[NBCNews.com]]|date=October 15, 2014 |access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> On October 16, Navarro's Vice-President Dewayne Gragg issued a statement confirming that there had indeed been a decision to "postpone our recruitment in those nations that the Center for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department have identified as at risk".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/news/local_news/article_16f89386-5569-11e4-ad23-27fb5a2c77f5.html|title=Navarro College says in a new statement it will postpone recruitment of students from countries at risk for Ebola – Corsicana Daily Sun: Local News|work=Corsicana Daily Sun|access-date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> Nigeria's outbreak was among the least severe in West Africa and was considered over by the WHO on October 20; the Nigerian health ministry had previously announced on September 22 that there were no confirmed cases of Ebola within the country.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

{{anchor|Speaking invitations withdrawn}}In October 2014, the [[S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications]] at Syracuse University withdrew an invitation it had extended to [[Pulitzer Prize]] winning photojournalist [[Michel du Cille]] because he'd returned three weeks earlier from covering the [[Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa|Ebola outbreak in Liberia]].<ref name=ducille>{{cite news|last1=Bever|first1=Lindsay|title=Syracuse University disinvites Washington Post photographer because he was in Liberia 3 weeks ago|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/10/17/syracuse-university-disinvites-washington-post-photographer-3-weeks-after-he-returned-from-liberia/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 18, 2014|date=October 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Huffington Post">{{cite news|last1=Kingkade|first1=Tyloe|title=Colleges Isolate, Disinvite People Out Of An 'Abundance Of Caution' Over Ebola|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/17/colleges-ebola_n_6004072.html|work=Huffington Post|access-date=October 18, 2014|date=October 17, 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, [[Case Western Reserve University]] withdrew their speaking invitation to Dr. [[Richard E. Besser]], chief health editor at [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] and former director of the CDC. Besser had recently returned from a trip to [[Liberia]].<ref name="Huffington Post"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Rice|first1=Chelsea|title=Ebola Today|url=https://www.boston.com/health/2014/10/17/ebola-today-cdc-expands-passenger-check-ins-before-flight/bp9pHrGGP6HoAYizUs0PzJ/story.html|publisher=Boston.com|access-date=October 18, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fight fear of ebola with the facts|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/richard-e-besser-fight-fear-of-ebola-with-the-facts/2014/10/15/dba7bd1e-5399-11e4-809b-8cc0a295c773_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 18, 2014|first=Richard E.|last=Besser|date=October 15, 2014}}</ref>