(Newswire.net — October 9, 2014) — “By the end of the year, there’s supposed to be 1.4 million people infected with Ebola and 62 percent of them dying, according to the CDC,” Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly said.
“That’s horrific. And there is no way we can keep Ebola [contained] in West Africa.” he added.
Not many countries have ability to deal with an outbreak of the disease If it comes to the Western Hemisphere, the general said.
This is a particularly possible scenario if the disease gets to countries like Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador. It could cause panic which would mean people would flee the region, hitting the borders of US.
“There will be mass migration into the United States,” Kelly said. “They will run away from Ebola, or if they suspect they are infected, they will try to get to the United States for treatment.”
Also, we should not underestimate transnational criminal networks who smuggle people who can be carrying Ebola, the general said.
Kelly spoke of visiting the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua with US embassy personnel, when a group of men from Liberia waited to pass and get on their way north to the United States, “illegally, of course.” he recall.
“Those man could have made it to New York City and still be within the incubation period for Ebola.” general said.
While the US health officials say there’s no cause for widespread concern over Ebola, some local ‘Preppers’ Stock Up For Improbable US Ebola Crisis.
“Preppers have been stocking up on package water, MRE meals, heaters, gas masks, and other items,” said Garron Strickland, manager of Harry’s Army Surplus in Dearborn.
Later this month, the store is hosting a beginner’s class for people interested in learning about survival gear and supplies.
Meantime, cleanup continues at the Dallas apartment unit where Ebola patient Thomas Duncan stayed before he was admitted to Texas Hospital for treatment and where he died on Wednesday.