As early as next week, travelers coming to O'Hare airport from Ebola affected countries will receive enhanced screening.
During a media briefing, Illinois Public Health Department Doctor LaMarHasbrouck, said widening screening beyond the epicenter is not warranted.
"It is a dangerous world out there and we are very connected through our travel systems. Can we screen for everything for everybody coming in, no. Does it make sense? Absolutely not. That's equivalent to having someone show up at the hospital and running every single blood panel on them. You wouldn't do that. It's a waste of resources. So, you gotta focus your approach,” said Hasbrouck.
Hasbrouck says until the Ebola outbreak is controlled in west Africa there will be some amount of risk in Illinois. He says some hospitals will be designated for quarantine facilities in case any potential case does require management. The five largest airports in the U.S. will all begin enhanced screening of travelers from three countries at the epicenter of the Ebola epidemic.
Hasbrouck says so far there are no reports in Illinois or cases that have required testing for Ebola. He notes there have been lots of rumors and expects many more rumors and concerns because of the non specific nature of Ebola symptoms.