House Republican: Obama ‘completely wrong’ on threat from Ebola

Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.) said Thursday that President Obama was “completely wrong” when he said it was “unlikely” anyone infected with the Ebola virus would reach the U.S.

{mosads}Ross accused the president of underselling the threat of Ebola to Americans.

“President Obama’s recent comments stating that it’s ‘highly unlikely’ Ebola would reach our shores were completely wrong,” Ross said in a press release. “Instead of embellishing safety measures, the president needs to look at the dangers of this disease with an unimpeded view and act accordingly.”

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in September, Obama said, “In the unlikely event that someone with Ebola does reach our shores, we’ve taken new measures so that we’re prepared here at home.” Just over a week later, Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian man traveled to Dallas, Texas. He ultimately died from Ebola on Wednesday.

Ross warned that quarantines could be necessary if more people become infected with Ebola in the U.S. 

“My constituents and I do not want to begin the venture of quarantining those living in our country. Unfortunately, by allowing travel to and from countries that have been infected with this deadly virus, we could be heading in that direction,” Ross said.

The Florida Republican was among 27 lawmakers who urged President Obama in a letter this week to request travel restrictions on the West African countries struggling with Ebola outbreaks and quarantine individuals who have traveled to the region.

“This is the only way to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the United States and its citizens is preserved,” Ross said.

The Department of Homeland Security and CDC announced this week that five major U.S. airports would start additional screenings for people who have arrived from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Those passengers will be subject to a series of health and Ebola exposure questions from Customs and Border Patrol staff.