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In Caribbean, Central America, Vacation Season Spurs Ebola Worries

The upcoming vacation season has Southern countries worried about how to contain any possible cases, said the U.S. Southern Command general.
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Leaders from Caribbean and Central American countries are worried that the upcoming winter travel season might potentially bring Ebola cases to the region. The head of the U.S. Southern Command said these countries may be less equipped to deal with this scenario.

Gen. John Kelly told The Associated Press that governments are worried about the fact many travelers travel to and from islands without the kinds of airport screenings the U.S. is putting in place. Small nations such as Haiti would have a hard time handling an Ebola outbreak.

One issue Kelly raised is whether frightened families would try to enter the U.S. to seek treatment or flee to the U.S. to get away from any Ebola threat. The General said he has military planners and medical experts preparing for any future cases in the region as well as well as simulations to ensure the military is ready.

The U.S. is encouraging Southern nations to stay in touch with the CDC and telling military leaders the U.S. will help the countries if problems arise.

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--The Associated Press