L.A. City Council Prepares for Possible Ebola Outbreak

The Los Angeles City Council met Tuesday to discuss a plan which will require all city staff to report on any health issues in regards to Ebola. Councilmembers expressed varying levels of concern over the threat of an outbreak in L.A.

"While this is scary for the country and the world," said Councilman Mitch Englander, "there are a lot of other things we have to be concerned about, such as getting flu shots, preparing for the next big earthquake and stopping hit-and-run drivers."

Other members expressed greater unease.

"I think we have to be much more careful, and I think we have to be much more aware. I'm not sure if we have done some of the steps that we should be doing," Councilman Paul Koretz said.

The meeting came in response to Ebola incidents in Dallas, where two nurses contracted the disease after having contact with patient Thomas Eric Duncan.

Duncan was the first person diagnosed with the deadly disease in the United States since the West African epidemic began. 

Air travel has been the gateway for Ebola in the United States.

Because of this, Congresswoman Maxine Waters wants to meet with Los Angeles Airport officials and increase safety screening measures.

“Given the potential for the spread of Ebola through air travel, it is critical that officials in the community surrounding LAX understand the procedures that are being followed at LAX to protect passengers, employees and the community,” said Waters, according to City News Service.

Major airports around the country are increasing airport screenings from passengers coming from West Africa. As of now, LAX is not one of them.

Five airports on the East Coast have stepped up screening, which involves questioning, and checking passengers' body temperatures.

Starting Wednesday, the Department of Homeland security says all travelers flying in from West African countries affected by Ebola would go through these enhanced screening. They take place at John F. Kennedy Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, O'Hare International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The enhanced screenings will apply to travelers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.