Health authorities are still having a very difficult time trying to contain and control the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Measures are now in place for any travelers from Ebola-effected countries wanting to land in the U.S., to limit their flight to only five specific airport locations for screenings.

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The Ebola epidemic in West African countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are out of control. So much so that Ebola death toll has risen by nearly 700 deaths within only a week, according to the World Heath Organization (WHO).

WHO reports that the death toll is now over 4,500 people out of over 9,000 Ebola cases - a 50% death rate.

This led The Department of Homeland Security to announce today any travelers who've spent time in Liberia, Sierra Leone, or Guinea that want to return to the U.S., must fly to either New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, or Newark. These measures will go into effect on Wednesday.

In these cities, travelers from West African countries must undergo strict precautions and screenings in an effort for health authorities to detect anyone with Ebola-like symptoms.

Beginning stages of Ebola are similar to symptoms of a bad flu. The patient would have a high temperature while feeling nauseous and fatigued.

Part of the screening process would be to check the temperature with a thermometer that doesn't require coming into contact with bodily fluids of the traveler.  Additionally, customs personnel will ask a series of questions about exactly where the traveler has been.

Politicians have been bringing up the idea of implementing a complete travel ban from Ebola-effected countries to the U.S., but according to doctors and experts on the subject, a travel ban would only make matters worse causing panic and more people becoming infected. The flight restriction is The Department of Homeland Security's alternative.   

TagsEbola outbreak, West Africa, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Flight restrictions, Screenings, The Department of Homeland security