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CDC issues "Level 3" travel warning to Ebola-hit West African nations

WASHINGTON, July 31 (KUNA) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued Thursday a warning to avoid nonessential travel to the West African nations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where this "Level 3" travel warning is "a reflection of the worsening Ebola outbreak in this region." CDC Director Tom Frieden said in a statement "this is the biggest and most complex Ebola outbreak in history. Far too many lives have been lost already." He stressed "it will take many months, and it won't be easy, but Ebola can be stopped. We know what needs to be done.
"CDC is surging our response, sending 50 additional disease control experts to the region in the next 30 days," he noted.
CDC expects its efforts "not only to help bring the current outbreak under control, but to leave behind stronger systems to prevent, detect and stop Ebola and other outbreaks before they spread." In addition to warning travelers to avoid going to the region, CDC is also "assisting with active screening and education efforts on the ground in West Africa to prevent sick travelers from getting on planes". (pickup previous) si.hb