CDC prepares for Ebola Pandemic In United States

Uganda has been struggling with an Ebola outbreak for months, and although there have been no suspected or probable Ebola cases identified in the United States, federal and local health officials are working together to prepare for the possibility that the virus will spread across the Atlantic.

“It might be just a matter of time,” Freeman said. “That is why every minute right now is being spent to ramp up the preparedness and response in anticipation of that single event occurring. But the more that we put our time and effort into this stage of the crisis, the better off we’ll be when we do get that first Ebola case.”

As of Wednesday, 824 travelers have been screened for Ebola Virus  at O’Hare airport in Chicago, according to the department.

In Washington, health officials have monitored 100 travelers, of whom “19 are currently being monitored,” DC Health said Tuesday.

In New York, screening has been taking place at JFK airport, and the state health department has been working closely with the CDC.

“New York State is coordinating with CDC and local health departments as it screens people traveling from Uganda, where cases of Ebola have been identified,” Samantha Fuld, a spokesperson for the New York State Department of Health, wrote in an email to CNN.

“While there are no reported infections outside of Uganda or in New York or the United States, proactive measures by CDC to monitor key travel hubs – including JFK International Airport, one of one of five U.S. airports where CDC is now routing travelers from Uganda – alert public health laboratories, ready hospitals designated as Ebola treatment centers, and inform health care providers will ensure we remain vigilant and prepared,” Fuld wrote.