Dr. Mehmet Oz, a senior medical adviser to US President Donald Trump, has defended plans to utilize a Kenya-based quarantine facility for Americans exposed to Ebola, arguing that proximity to the outbreak zone is critical for effective medical intervention.
Speaking on the ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed facility, Oz said transporting potentially infected individuals across continents for treatment would be medically risky and less practical than managing cases closer to the source of the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Drawing on his experience as a heart surgeon, Oz emphasized that rapid access to advanced medical care can be the difference between life and death.
“The main issue with having a facility close to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is if a patient is sick, again I’ll speak as a heart doctor, I want to take the patient to the OR that’s right next door to the room they’re sick in, not to the building next to them, or to three buildings two blocks away, because that time is precious to us.”
He noted that the concept of the “golden hour,” commonly associated with trauma treatment, also applies to serious infectious diseases where swift intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
“You have a golden hour in many of these instances around trauma, but for illnesses it’s also relatively short.”
US Working With Kenya on Quarantine Arrangements
Oz expressed confidence that diplomatic and logistical discussions between Washington and Nairobi would yield a workable solution.
“We are confident, and the State Department’s working on this diligently, that they’re going to be able to work out something with Kenya.”
His remarks come amid growing debate over reports that Kenya could host a quarantine and treatment facility for American citizens exposed to Ebola in Central Africa.
The proposal has generated significant public discussion in Kenya, with supporters citing international health cooperation while critics have raised concerns about public safety and transparency.
Alternative Locations Also Under Consideration
While defending the Kenya option, Oz indicated that the United States has other potential partners willing to host quarantine operations if necessary.
“There has already been a fair amount of communication around this issue. We have the UK base there, we have other people who might be willing to welcome us, and we have our German colleagues as well.”
However, he maintained that keeping patients closer to the outbreak region remains the most medically sound approach.
“There are many places we can send folks, but sending them across the world, especially when we’re not sure what’s going on with them, is probably not the wisest move.”
As discussions continue between Kenya and the United States, the proposed facility remains at the center of both diplomatic and public health conversations.Dr. Mehmet Oz defends plans to use a Kenya-based Ebola quarantine facility
About the Author
