Talking Points: Ellison Talks Ebola Concerns In Minn.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An estimated 20,000 Liberians live in the Twin Cities, which has one of the largest Liberian communities in the United States.
Liberian residents here say misinformation about Ebola has left them and their families feeling like outcasts. Images of the frightening toll in their native country has resulted in problems, including children reporting that other kids don't want to play with them at school.
In some cases, the misinformation is being spread within the Liberian community itself, with some local Liberians fearful of going to work or even restaurants.
Congressman Keith Ellison (D-District 5) represents many of Minnesota's Liberian immigrants, and he spoke about their concerns Sunday morning.
"We are working with the CDC and other health agencies and the Liberian community to try and get information, good information, out," he said. "It's not airborne, it's important to remember."
The congressman said he supports President Barack Obama's plan to send up to 4,000 U.S. troops to Liberia and West Africa to help contain the Ebola outbreak.
The troops will not be involved in treating Ebola patients but will be building at least 17 hospitals were patients can be treated.
