Ebola in U.S. is Reminder That Disease Knows No Boundaries

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case of Ebola to be diagnosed in the United States in a person who had traveled to Dallas, Texas, from Liberia. Although the thought of Ebola here in our country raises concerns for many people, CDC has been anticipating and preparing for a case of Ebola in the United States. 

This situation should remind us that disease knows no boundaries and that a disease threat anywhere is a disease threat everywhere. While new Ebola cases have not been reported in Nigeria and Senegal since August 31st, the epidemic is getting worse in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. This epidemic has taken the lives of more than 3,000 of the 6,500 people infected with the disease in West Africa. As CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden has said, “This is not just a problem for West Africa, it’s not just a problem for Africa. It’s a problem for the world, and the world needs to respond.” 

The CDC Foundation continues to assist CDC by providing critical assistance and supplies through donations to the Foundation’s Global Disaster Response Fund, which enables CDC staff to respond quickly to changing circumstances and needs. I am proud that our organization is able to help CDC with this important work, and like Dr. Frieden, I am confident that together we can stop this epidemic.