COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus-based Ohio National Guard unit won’t have to go to West Africa as previously planned to help control the Ebola outbreak in the region.
Guard officials said Monday that the 16th Engineer Brigade had been assigned as part of the U.S. government’s mission to support civilian-led humanitarian efforts dealing with the outbreak of the virus.
But because of the successful efforts of civilian entities in West Africa over the past few months, Operation United Assistance did not require the support of several National Guard units considered for deployment last November, according to a release from the Pentagon.
In all, Ebola has sickened more than 21,000 people, the vast majority in West Africa, killing more than 8,600. But health officials say the tide is turning.
The Defense Department is now backing more than 10,000 civilian responders performing support functions previously handled by military personnel.