The Trump administration is preparing to send American citizens exposed to Ebola to Kenya for monitoring and possible treatment, according to a report by The New York Times, a move that could reshape how Washington handles infectious disease outbreaks abroad.
The plan, reported on Tuesday, would see Americans potentially exposed to the virus remain outside the United States instead of being flown home, as was done during previous Ebola outbreaks. The proposal comes as East and Central Africa battle renewed fears over the spread of the deadly disease.
According to officials cited by the newspaper, the U.S. government is working with the Departments of State, Defence and Health and Human Services to establish a temporary medical facility in Kenya. The site would monitor Americans considered at risk of developing Ebola symptoms and, if necessary, provide treatment.
A number of Public Health Service officers are reportedly undergoing training ahead of deployment to Kenya.
The decision marks a sharp departure from past policy. During earlier Ebola crises, infected or exposed American aid workers and medical staff were often transported back to specialised isolation units in the United States for care.
Earlier this month, the administration reportedly transferred one American doctor showing Ebola symptoms to Germany, while six others were sent to Germany and the Czech Republic for observation.
The latest approach appears tied to broader immigration and public health restrictions introduced by the administration. Under Title 42 measures cited in the report, immigrants and permanent residents who recently travelled through the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan could be denied entry into the United States.
Health experts interviewed by the newspaper questioned whether a newly established treatment centre in Kenya could offer the same level of specialised care available in long-established U.S. facilities.
“Ebola treatment requires rapid response systems, specialised containment and experienced staff,” one infectious disease expert told the paper, warning that outcomes often depend on how quickly high-quality care is provided.
Still, officials involved in the planning reportedly insist each case would be reviewed individually, with severely ill patients potentially transferred elsewhere if advanced treatment becomes necessary.
Kenyan authorities had not publicly commented on the report by Wednesday morning.
The development comes as concerns over Ebola continue to grow across parts of Africa. The virus, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, can be fatal if not detected and treated early. However, survival rates improve significantly with prompt medical attention and supportive care, according to the World Health Organization.
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