WP: US faces readiness gaps against future Ebola-style outbreaks

A lack of coordination between US federal agencies could undermine Washington’s response to a potential outbreak of Ebola and other infectious diseases in the country, The Washington Post (WP) reports, citing sources.

According to the publication, the US currently does not have a formal interagency coordination structure specifically designed to manage an Ebola-related crisis. The administration of President Donald Trump is actively seeking a coordinator who could lead response efforts and improve cooperation among political, military, diplomatic, and public health institutions.

“We’re trying to get one,” one informed source said. “We need to find the right person.”

State Department officials said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to serve as the primary federal agency leading the response. Meanwhile, the State Department has set up a round-the-clock task force, including personnel with prior Ebola response experience.

The task force is managing assistance efforts, consular services, and the rollout of enhanced public health screening and traveler monitoring measures.

“Our highest priority remains protecting the health and security of the American people by working to prevent this outbreak from reaching our shores,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, who called the speed of the administration’s response “unprecedented.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada