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Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH), member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over public health issues and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, today called for immediate travel restrictions to West African nations. In addition, Congressman Latta stressed the need that those being monitored for potential exposure to Ebola should be prohibited from both domestic and international travel.

“In responding to the Ebola outbreak, we must examine every possible solution, including travel restrictions,” said Latta. “While there are no direct flights from Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone to the United States, travel from West African nations should be suspended immediately in an effort to protect the health and safety of Ohioans and all Americans. In addition, anyone being monitored for potential Ebola exposure should be prohibited from utilizing public transportation in an effort to contain the outbreak.”

Latta visited Mercy St. Vincent’s Medical Center yesterday and Paulding County Hospital today to see firsthand their Ebola preparedness and response efforts. He remains confident in Ohio’s state and local health care networks’ preparedness and ability to aggressively respond to a potential Ebola incident.