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Boston Hospitals, Colleges Make Ebola Preparations

BOSTON (CBS) - It's labeled the EVD cart at Massachusetts General hospital for Ebola Viral Disease. It was ordered two months ago with the Ebola outbreak, full of gowns, booties, protective masks and newly stocked supplies for staff in the hazmat/decon area.

"At least we can quickly identify people at risk and contain them if need be," said WBZ'S Dr. Mallika Marshall. An urgent care physician at Mass General, she says healthcare workers are being trained for any potential Ebola cases and the questions they should now be asking.

"Anyone who shows up with a fever is questioned thoroughly about recent travel history, have they been outside the U.S. in the past 21 days, have they been to West Africa," said Dr. Marshall.

The state is in contact with public health officials issuing guidelines should a case arrive here. Local colleges and universities are also being given screening tools to monitor international travelers for risks.

United, the airline on which Thomas Duncan arrived in Texas, has informed all passengers who were on his flight, which travelers at Logan Airport call a responsible approach. Duncan arrived from Liberia September 20th, the first diagnosis of Ebola in the U.S.

"I think you have to tell passengers the truth. The key about Ebola is you don't get it if somebody coughs, you have to have body contact for that to happen," said air traveler Julius Hobson.

Bobby Williams, on his way home to Dallas, expects passenger scrutiny will be heightened. "It's obvious everyone is on high alert. I'm sure the airport in Dallas is looking at people a lot differently."

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