Don't count on those 'enhanced' airport security screenings for Ebola

Don't count on those 'enhanced' airport security screenings for Ebola
(Image credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

In response to the discovery of Ebola in the United States, the Obama administration instituted enhanced security screenings at five major airports for passengers coming from West Africa. However, it turns out that this is hardly a watertight security measure: the doctor diagnosed with Ebola in New York City yesterday underwent one of those screenings on Oct. 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of course, it takes time for the symptoms of Ebola to show. But it goes to show that it is virtually impossible to keep those infected with Ebola out of the country altogether, which will no doubt fuel criticism that the government hasn't done enough to protect American citizens from the virus.

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Ryu Spaeth

Ryu Spaeth is deputy editor at TheWeek.com. Follow him on Twitter.