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Press Statement
Medical Evacuations of Two U.S. Citizens From West Africa
Press Statement
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
August 1, 2014
The
State Department, together with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), is facilitating a medical evacuation for two U.S.
citizens who have been infected by Ebola in West Africa. The safety and
security of U.S. citizens is our paramount concern. Every precaution is
being taken to move the patients safely and securely, to provide
critical care en route on a non-commercial aircraft, and to maintain
strict isolation upon arrival in the United States.
These evacuations will take place over the coming days. CDC protocols and equipment are used for these kinds of medical evacuations so that they are carried out safely, thereby protecting the patient and the American public, as has been done with similar medical evacuations in the past.
Upon arriving in the United States, the patients will be taken to medical facilities with appropriate isolation and treatment capabilities.
Because of privacy considerations, we will not be able to confirm the names or other specific details of these particular cases.
For matters relating to public health precautions in the United States, we would refer to the CDC, which has the overall lead role on those issues within the U.S. Government.
These evacuations will take place over the coming days. CDC protocols and equipment are used for these kinds of medical evacuations so that they are carried out safely, thereby protecting the patient and the American public, as has been done with similar medical evacuations in the past.
Upon arriving in the United States, the patients will be taken to medical facilities with appropriate isolation and treatment capabilities.
Because of privacy considerations, we will not be able to confirm the names or other specific details of these particular cases.
For matters relating to public health precautions in the United States, we would refer to the CDC, which has the overall lead role on those issues within the U.S. Government.
