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Iowa National Guard preps to deploy to prevent West Africa Ebola spread

In response to the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa, some Iowa National Guard soldiers may be sent there to help.

In response to the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa, some Iowa National Guard soldiers may be sent there to help.

About 80 soldiers from the 294th Area Support Medical Company (ASMC) based in Washington, Iowa, may be sent in support of Operation United Assistance, according to a November 16 statement from the Iowa National Guard.  Operation United Assistance is the U.S.A.’s response to the outbreak, and is led by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

"We will be providing medical support for the U.S. forces that are on the ground over there," said Sgt. 1st Class Rob Radosevich in an interview with News 8.

The Iowa soldiers would be going along with other U.S. military members. The deployment would begin in spring of 2015 and it was expected last for about six months. It was not expected to last more than one year, according to the announcement.

Currently, there are more than 2,000 troops stationed in West Africa, and military officials expect that number to reach nearly 3,000 by the beginning of 2015.

Click here to read the Iowa National Guard's full announcement.

The purpose of sending soldiers to West Africa is so they can help prevent the spread of Ebola, according to Radosevich.

During their time over there, the 294th ASMC would work administer care to U.S. Department of Defense personnel and coalition service members. The Iowa soldiers would not be treating West African's who have contracted Ebola.

"There is no plans at all for us to have any contact or do any medical treatment with the local populace that are there," Radosevich said.

Soldiers sent to the region will be given proper training and equipment to avoid being infected by the Ebola virus.

Once their deployment is done, all soldiers will be observed overseas to ensure they are healthy and have not contracted the virus.

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