Perry creating infectious disease task force

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry says he’s creating a state task force to ensure Texas appropriately responds to infectious diseases like the Ebola virus.

Perry on Monday announced the creation of the Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. It will be overseen by Dr. Brett Giroir, who’s the CEO of Texas A&M Health Science Center.

Perry also called on federal officials to implement screening procedures at all U.S. points of entry. Screeners would take the temperature of travelers and conduct other assessments to determine their overall health.

He says the task force will develop rapid-response plans when an outbreak is confirmed in the state.