Thirty soldiers have returned from West Africa after pitching in to help curb the deadly Ebola outbreak. They are now under quarantine in Italy where their home base is located.
U.S. military officials, however, refuse to use the word "quarantine," instead referring to the soldiers as being under "controlled monitoring." The soldiers will be joining Army Major General Darryl A. Williams, U.S. Army Africa commander, and about 10 others who also returned over the weekend from West Africa.
Though there is no indication that anyone from the returning soldiers has contracted the virus, the group will be monitored in a separate location at the military installation in Vicenza, Italy for 21 days. They will not be allowed contact with friends and family for those 21 days, but the soldiers have access to various means of communication they may want to use.
Williams was deployed to West Africa, staying in the region for 30 days to help set up military assistance in affected countries. Along with his team, he traveled extensively within Liberia, frequenting testing and treatment areas in the country.
Even before returning from deployment, military personnel have been extensively monitored. Williams recounted checking his temperature numerous times in a day.
Williams also advises following basic sanitation and health protocols, such as using the chlorine wash on one's hands and feet, getting one's temperature taken frequently, and avoiding handshakes.
"I think the risk is relatively low," said Williams, explaining how protocol should be observed.
Jessica L. Wright, defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, released a memo on Oct. 10 requiring soldiers, who faced elevated risks of exposure to the Ebola virus, to be quarantined for 21 days. Those who didn't encounter known exposure will require monitoring for three weeks.
The memo also outlines the plans of the Pentagon to train military personnel before they are sent to the Ebola-stricken region and their extensive monitoring during deployment as they will be operating in the heart of the outbreak.
Those under controlled monitoring are placed in one building, housing up to four people per room. They will be eating in a dining tent and will have access to the gym and also worship services if needed.
It is not clear if soldiers based in the U.S. returning from West Africa will be subjected to the same controlled monitoring. When Williams left the region, command was handed over to Major General Gary Volesky from the 101st Airborne Division.
