US shifts Ebola treatment for exposed Americans to overseas facilities, sparking concerns over care access

In an opinion piece, infectious‑disease physician Krutika Kuppalli reflects on her experience responding to the West Africa Ebola outbreak and the expectations that the United States would bring ill responders home for the highest level of care.

Historically, U.S. policy promised repatriation of Americans who became infected or were exposed to Ebola, sending them to specialized treatment centers within the country.

Recent reports indicate a shift: the United States now plans to transfer such patients to facilities in third countries, including Kenya and locations in the European Union, rather than returning them to U.S. hospitals.

Kuppalli and other health experts warn that this change could jeopardize timely access to the most advanced care, raising ethical and practical concerns for frontline workers.