CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Health Department announced Sunday that missionaries who were in direct contact with patients infected with Ebola in West Africa will return to Charlotte and be quarantined.
Health Officials say none of the missionaries showed any signs or symptoms of having Ebola but will remain in quarantine for 21 days.
A Meckleburg County Official told WCCB that ‘quarantined’ means the people will need to remain in their homes or apartments. They will not be confined or treated in a medical facility until after they show signs or symptoms of the Ebola virus.
The official also clarified that these missionaries were in direct contact with and treating infected Ebola patients. He said direct contact means handling bodily fluids, not just “casually being in the same room.”
Public Health Officials said these are preventative measures and there is no cause for concern at this time. Mecklenburg County Medical Director Dr. Stephen Keener said , “Mecklenburg County, NC DHHS’ Division of Public Health and SIM USA are working hand-in-hand to assure quarantine is carried-out with respect and care for these dedicated people.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says Ebola currently poses no substantial risk to the U.S. general population.
Health officials are working with the Charlotte-based mission organization SIM USA to enforce the precautionary measures. The missionaries will not be returning to North Carolina until 21 days after their last encounter with an infected Ebola patient.
SIM USA President Bruce Johnson said, “SIM USA has been working closely with international, national, state and local public health officials since this most recent outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa Began. We will continue to cooperate and collaborate with them and adhere strictly to their guidelines in the return of our missionaries to the United States.”
Charlotte Douglas airport also released a statement on the return of the Charlotte missionaries saying, “Charlotte is fully cooperating with state and local officials on the return of volunteers, staff and their families from West African countries currently affected by an Ebola outbreak. The arrival will occur in an undisclosed, nonpublic area in order to ensure the safe return and privacy of the passengers. The arrival is expected to have no impact to Airport operations.”
No word on when the missionaries are expected to return.
