Health officials waiting for ship from Africa to dock in New Orleans; Crew sick with illness
Health officials confirm ship will arrive in area of Lower Ninth Ward
Health officials confirm ship will arrive in area of Lower Ninth Ward
Cargo Ship 'Marine Phoenix' and Diseased Crew Arrives in New Orleans Tonight
Officials in New Orleans confirmed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Coast Guard and various government epidemiologists are awaiting the ship's arrival Wednesday evening.
According to a release from the CDC, the ship was reported to have traveled to a port in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and additional others in Africa.
"There is no evidence to suggest that the crew members traveled to, or had any contact with anyone from the remote island region of DRC where Ebola cases are occurring. Given this, the chance that the crew member could have Ebola is thought to be exceedingly low," the CDC stated.
Initial details state that the ship alerted Louisiana and U.S. health officials that the individuals onboard were sick. The men will transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
No information was provided about the company the ship belongs to or identities for the crewman experiencing health issues. Health officials said the ship will dock in an area of the Lower Ninth Ward.
Officials with the CDC said a staff member had already been in New Orleans to train partners. He will join the Coast Guard and the Louisiana Department of Health when it docks Wednesday evening.
"Even if a person on the ship was exposed to Ebola, once they are screened by medical personnel in New Orleans, they would not be able to anywhere," said WDSU Medical Editor Dr. Corey Hebert. "Even if they did get out, it has to be spread by direct bodily fluids."
Further details are expected this evening.
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