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State Orders Mandatory Quarantine For Those Who Have Had Contact With Ebola Patients

CHICAGO (AP) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced a 21-day quarantine for those who've had direct contact with West Africa Ebola patients.

Illinois' action on Friday follows that of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (KWOH'-moh). The two issued a mandatory quarantine for travelers after a physician who returned to New York City a week ago from treating Ebola patients in Guinea fell ill with the virus. Dr. Craig Spencer rode the subway, took a cab, went bowling, visited a coffee shop and ate at a restaurant in the city after returning home.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says the order is a "common sense step" to ensure residents will be protected from potential exposure to the virus.

No Ebola cases have been reported in Illinois.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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