CDC flies home US staffer who had 'low-risk' Ebola contact
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This photo provided by the CDC shows an ebola Virus. U.S. health officials are monitoring the Ebola outbreak in Africa but say the risk of the deadly germ spreading to the United States is remote. (AP Photo/CDC) (The Associated Press)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday it flew an employee back to the United States from West Africa after the staff member came in contact with an international healthcare worker who later tested positive for Ebola.
According to the CDC's interim guidance for monitoring and movement of persons who have been exposed to Ebola, people who have contact with Ebola patients can travel long distances only by private means for 21 days after the last contact.
The CDC said in a statement the exposure was "low-risk" and the staff member was flown back on a chartered plane in accordance with the health agency's regulations.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The returning staff person is not sick with Ebola, does not show symptoms of the disease, and therefore, poses no Ebola-related risk to friends, family, co-workers or the public, the CDC said in a statement.
Early symptoms of Ebola can include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.
The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa has infected 2,615 people and killed 1,427, as of August 22, according to the World Health Organization.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Reuters contributed to this report.