News outlets report on issues surrounding the Ebola epidemic and air travel, as the U.N. urges continued flights to and from affected nations, and the CDC and airlines defend their passenger screening procedures.

Associated Press: U.N.: Air travel from Ebola nations should continue
“The spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general says the United Nations believes air travel to and from the West African countries affected by the Ebola virus should continue despite the first reported case in the United States…” (10/2).

CQ News: CDC Defends Airport Ebola Screening Procedures
“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Tom Frieden says despite the precautions at airports in countries affected by Ebola, more victims carrying the virus could make it to the United States undetected. … Frieden defended the travel screening procedures that have been set up and said cutting off flights from affected countries would not be the right solution…” (Harrison, 10/2).

New York Times: Ebola Patient’s Journey Shows How Global Travel Spreads Disease
“The arrival in the United States of a Liberian man infected with the Ebola virus shows how difficult it is to control or restrict the disease from spreading, and how porous current procedures are in a world of globalized air travel…” (Onishi/Mouawad, 10/2).

Politico: Ted Cruz: FAA needs to ensure Ebola victims are kept away from U.S.
“Following reports that someone infected with Ebola has turned up in his home state of Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz [R] on Thursday asked the Federal Aviation Administration to ‘take every available precaution in preventing additional cases from arriving in the United States.’ The FAA so far has responded to concerns about Ebola by saying it is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is taking the lead on responding to the threat…” (Wolfe, 10/2).

Reuters: Air industry battles Ebola with heat scans and handwash
“…Some airlines have already suspended or cut back flights since the summer, and only one European carrier now offers direct services to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. However, those still operating have taken measures to protect passengers and crew, along with airports in the region and beyond…” (Bryan, 10/2).

Washington Post: Airlines: No need to panic over Ebola
“The airline industry worked Thursday to tamp down fears that its jetliners might provide a pipeline for the lethal Ebola virus that is ravaging parts of West Africa to hop across the Atlantic to the United States…” (Halsey, 10/2).