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CDC Spokesperson Speaks With CBS 3 About Precautions Being Taken At Airports Against Ebola

By Natasha Brown

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There is growing concern among travelers as the Ebola virus has now reached the United States.

CBS 3 Eyewitness News spoke with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials who show CBS 3 how they're preparing to handle any passengers who may show symptoms of being ill, letting CBS 3 see inside a quarantine station similar to one at Philadelphia International Airport.

Travelers at Philadelphia International Airport continue to dart off to their destinations, some a little less carefree, a little more concerned about the Ebola epidemic.

"Suppose education no matter who or where it's coming from is always good. We just hope that it doesn't affect us," traveler Peter Doherty said.

While the U.S. is dealing with it's first Ebola case in Texas, the CDC now trying to control the spread of the virus both in the states and abroad.

Passengers bustling through Philadelphia's international terminal may not see it, but there is a quarantine station similar to one in Atlanta's airport set up inside the terminal for ill travelers.

"We've done some additional training and work with customs and border patrol agents so that they know about the symptoms of Ebola, what to look for as they are processing the travelers who are coming in," CDC spokesperson Christine Pearson said.

CBS 3 Eyewitness News spoke with Christine Pearson from the CDC headquarters in Atlanta via phone Friday.

She says they've stepped up precautions in Ebola stricken parts of West Africa for travelers before they ever enter the U.S.

"There's exit screening for all travelers as they are leaving the countries where the Ebola outbreak is occurring. There's reporting ill travelers if someone gets sick during a flight, and then there's what is happening in airports now with customs and border protection watching for ill travelers," she said.

"We've put out special guidance for airline crews and also for their cleaning and cargo personnel just to provide more information about what they should be doing."

The Obama administration is also now assuring that the virus will not spread in the U.S.

"Every Ebola outbreak over 40 years has been stopped. We know how to do this, and we will do it again," said Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security.

The CDC tells CBS 3 Eyewitness News they're also checking passengers for fevers before they get on certain international flights into the U.S. They're also hoping to assure travelers that procedures are in place to protect their health and well being at all times.

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