Health Officials Cast Doubt On Ebola Travel Bans

Top government health officials say they are opposed to placing a ban on travelers from Ebola-infected countries, warning that shutting down borders could impede efforts to stop the deadly virus.

The idea of a ban gained currency last week after the first U.S. case was diagnosed in Dallas. Proponents have argued that it would help ensure public safety.

Anthony Fauci is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He says a travel embargo on West African countries would make it harder for them to control the disease and possibly trigger civil unrest.

The director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the administration is open to practical suggestions. Tom Frieden has also noted that a flight ban could affect Americans trying to get home.