Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04) issued the following statement calling for travel restrictions to and from West Africa in order to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus in the United States:

“There is understandably serious concern about a potential Ebola epidemic here in the United States. While the possibility of an outbreak of this deadly virus is minimal at this time, it is critical we take appropriate measures in order to protect public health. As we have already witnessed, lax restrictions on international travel from countries laden with the disease have resulted in the infection of two American citizens on U.S. soil.

“In order to prevent any further spread of the Ebola virus here in the United States, it is critical we restrict all travel to and from the countries currently experiencing large-scale Ebola outbreaks with the exception of medical aid workers. I call on the president to move swiftly and without hesitation in placing travel restrictions between the United States and the West African Nations plagued by this infectious disease.”