A former CDC director, Robert Redfield, warned that the Ebola outbreak in africa could quickly escalate into a major international health crisis. He said it may spread beyond the Democratic Republic of the Congo too neighboring countries such as Tanzania, southern Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, and potentially South Sudan-and that it has been progressing faster than prior outbreaks because it wasn\u2019t identified until cases had already surpassed 100.<\/p>\n

Redfield noted that the World Health threat is already notable, citing more than 500 cases and close to 150 deaths, and emphasized that the response will likely be disruptive before conditions improve. An epidemiologist, Dr. Neil Vora, described the situation as very serious but pointed to existing experience and robust public health measures in the region as reasons outbreaks can eventually be controlled-though not promptly.<\/p>\n

Separately, the U.S. State Department ordered enhanced public health screening for Americans and lawful permanent residents<\/a> returning<\/a> from Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days. <\/p>\n