U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) called on the Obama administration Friday to consult Congress on what plan the country has in place to prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.
“The uncontrolled spread of the Ebola virus in Africa is a public health crisis that requires our immediate attention,” Portman said. “Working with international health organizations, the U.S. should lead a coordinated strategy to contain the virus and help those who are suffering. The Obama Administration should inform Congress on what steps are being taken to prevent the further spread of this deadly virus. I pray for the steady recovery of all those infected, especially the brave Americans and other health care workers who volunteered to put themselves at risk while helping fight Ebola.”
In what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting to be the largest Ebola outbreak in history, the virus has been spreading through West African nations with more than 3,500 individuals affected. This included three American missionaries who were providing medical care on the continent. The Americans were brought back stateside for treatment.
Portman is hopeful that a strategy can be put in place to protect the medical professionals treating patients.