Portman Statement on Announcement That Ebola Patient Was in Northeast Ohio

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcement that the second healthcare worker diagnosed with Ebola was in Northeast Ohio prior to diagnosis:

“The latest troubling news regarding the Ebola crisis demonstrates why our government must be more proactive in the fight to prevent the spread of Ebola,” Portman stated. “I have been calling on the President to take such proactive measures for weeks and it’s time for the Administration to act.

“In situations like this, it is important to remain calm while also staying vigilant and aware of potential symptoms. I have spoken to Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and other officials regarding the situation in Cleveland. I have also communicated with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Sylvia Burwell, to ensure the federal government is providing appropriate CDC and other assistance. My office stands ready to assist with any federal needs and to try to address concerns Ohio constituents have regarding the situation. I will remain in very close touch regarding this issue with federal, state and local authorities.”

Portman urged President Obama to appoint one Administration official to coordinate the U.S. strategy to contain and combat Ebola. He also called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enact active Ebola screenings for travelers demonstrating Ebola symptoms at U.S. ports of entry.

In addition to his letter to the President and CDC, Portman requested information from three other federal agencies in an attempt to better equip the U.S. to deal with the humanitarian crisis.

-Portman wrote to U.S. Agency for International Development regarding the need to leverage all necessary capabilities within the federal government to combat Ebola.

-Portman urged the Office of Management and Budget to provide Congress with an overall picture of the funding and resources that the U.S. has committed to the Ebola crisis.

-Portman followed up on his call to DHS last week to develop a plan to ensure the U.S is prepared for any potential pandemics.

CNN featured Portman’s op-ed on the need to be proactive. It can be found at http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/06/opinion/portman-ebola-active-screening-needed/index.html .

CDC information on Ebola can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/ .