Ebola screening not happening at O'Hare despite CDC document mentioning Chicago airport, IDPH says
CHICAGO - Illinois health officials say enhanced Ebola screening is not currently taking place at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport amid an outbreak in parts of Africa.
What we know:
The Illinois Department of Public Health said it is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of East and Central Africa, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
While O’Hare was listed in a CDC document as a major international airport where travelers pass through, IDPH confirmed enhanced screening measures are not happening at O’Hare at this time.
Instead, the CDC is now funneling travelers arriving from outbreak-affected countries through Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as of Wednesday, according to IDPH.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Travelers wait in line for security screening at O'Hare International Airport on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. The travel disruptions continue as hundreds of TSA agents quit or work without pay during a partial go
State health officials said there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in Illinois or anywhere in the United States, and the immediate risk to Illinois residents remains low.
IDPH said it has begun preparedness activities with public health and healthcare partners across the state out of what it called "an abundance of caution."
The agency said Illinois already has an Ebola-specific preparedness and response plan that includes protocols for containment, quarantine coordination and other measures designed to reduce exposure risks.
IDPH also said its laboratories can identify the specific Ebola virus tied to the current outbreak, known as the Bundibugyo virus, along with other viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Rush University Medical Center and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago are designated elite special pathogen treatment centers prepared to care for suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, according to the agency.
What we don't know:
It remains unclear whether officials will expand airport screening procedures to O’Hare if conditions change.
What they're saying:
"The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of East and Central Africa," an IDPH spokesperson said in a statement.
"At this time, the risk to Illinois residents remains low, and there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Illinois or anywhere in the United States. Out of an abundance of caution, IDPH has initiated preparedness activities with our public health and healthcare partners. IDPH remains in close communication with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) as well as other local and regional colleagues. IDPH will continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as additional information becomes available."
Dr. Tyler Evans, CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, urged travelers to pay close attention to symptoms.
"Ebola is one of the most infectious diseases out there. I'm not an alarmist, but I'm very concerned," Evans said, adding, "high fever is key."
Ebola is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. Symptoms can include fever, weakness, vomiting and unexplained bleeding.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.
The Source: The information in this story came from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and an interview conducted by FOX Chicago.