SOUTHCOM chief: Island vacation season spawns Ebola fears

AREQUIPA, PERU — The top U.S. military commander in South America says the coming winter vacation season is raising worries among Caribbean and Central American countries about the potential for Ebola cases, since smaller nations may be less able to deal with the problem.

Gen. John Kelly, head of U.S. Southern Command, says leaders from the islands and Central American countries are voicing concerns because many vacationers will be traveling to and from the islands, often without going through airport screenings the U.S. is putting in place.

Kelly says frightened people could try to flee to America to seek treatment or get away from any threat.

The U.S. is encouraging the nations to stay in communications with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He says the U.S. will help the countries if problems arise.