France says Ebola contagion risk doesn’t justify quarantines
By Bloomberg
France ruled out quarantines for health workers returning from
Ebola-hit countries, saying it was not necessary.
"Quarantines aren't justified for people returning from an
Ebola-hit country and who aren't showing symptoms," the Paris-
based Health Ministry said in an e-mailed response to
questions.
U.S. President Barack Obama has said quarantines may undermine
efforts to fight the deadly disease. Policy makers around the world
are taking steps to prevent a spread of the epidemic, which has
infected almost 10,000 victims, killing about half of them. The use
of quarantines is raising concern volunteers may be discouraged
from going to the aid of countries that desperately need help at a
time when only three cases of contagion are known to have taken
place outside Africa.
People returning from Ebola-hit countries, including health workers
who've treated infected patients, aren't necessarily ill or likely
to carry the disease, given that contagion requires direct contact
with the bodily fluids of a victim showing symptoms, the French
Health Ministry said.
By contrast, U.S. authorities have recommended home quarantines for
people who've had direct exposure to the virus. The states of New
York and New Jersey extended the measure to all health workers who
have had contact with Ebola patients.
Travelers from Ebola-hit countries are tracked in France and asked
to take their temperature daily for 21 days. Those who've treated
Ebola patients are asked to do it twice a day and remain in daily
contact with health authorities. Anyone whose temperature breaches
38 degrees Celsius is asked to isolate themselves and call
emergency services, the ministry said.