The Iowa Department of Public Health is taking precautions against a potential but low-risk Ebola threat from an Iowan who recently returned from western Africa.

Thirteen travelers, who went to Sierra Leone, Liberia, or Guinea sometime in the last 21 days, are being closely monitored for symptoms of Ebola.

Twelve of them have low risk of being exposed to the virus and are therefore allowed to resume daily activities. One traveler had a moderate risk and has been quarantined.

According to the Public Health website, the person was told to stay at home and check her/his temperature frequently under close supervision of at least one public-health official.

All thirteen of the travelers have yet to show any symptoms of Ebola. State law prohibits the disclosure of any information that may reveal the identity of any individuals, including the current locations of the 13 Iowans who are being monitored.

— by Mitch McAndrew