Enhanced Ebola Screening Implemented at Key U.S. Airports

Why it matters locally: John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York is among the five major U.S. hubs implementing the enhanced screening protocols, affecting thousands of daily international arrivals at the facility.

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Five U.S. airports now employ enhanced screening protocols for travelers arriving from countries affected by Ebola outbreaks. The airports handle more than 94% of travel into the United States from West Africa, according to officials. In addition to airport screenings, a new tracking program is in effect for all individuals entering the U.S. from Ebola-affected nations. The program aims to monitor their health and potential Ebola exposure during their time in the country. Further details regarding the tracking program's specific mechanisms are expected to be released by authorities soon. The airports utilizing the enhanced screening include major international hubs. These measures supplement existing protocols designed to identify and isolate potential Ebola cases, officials said. Officials have not disclosed which specific measures constitute the 'enhanced' methodology.