Base Neighbors Share Their Concerns About Unaccompanied Children

Base neighbors are concerned about the health and welfare of children who arrived in the United States without their parents or passports. They are also concerned about the health of their own children.

ABC News is reporting that some were sick when they were flown to Naval Base Ventura County.

More than 900 children, mostly from Central America, have passed through Naval Base Ventura County’s temporary housing. Another 500 are being cared for at the base this month. And several of them have been treated for illnesses including pneumonia and influenza. There have been no confirmations of swine flu.

Local public health officials referred questions to Health and Human Services spokesperson Kenneth Wolfe who was not available for comment Thursday. But base officials have confirmed that several children have been hospitalized and the rest are being vaccinated at makeshift clinics on the base.

Base neighbors are concerned that the kids lack vaccinations their children get to go to school.

Michael Reyes said it seems like their parents have outsmarted the system by letting their children make the journey to the U.S. without them. But he said that is also puts their lives in danger.

Some neighbors want them sent home immediately, others know it will take time to figure out what to do.

Most agree the base was not meant as a dorm or an infirmary for immigrant children.