The information below is intended to provide employees with an updated overview of the current Ebola Virus outbreak. What is Ebola? Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is an acute illness spread from person to person by direct contact with blood, organs, vomit, semen and other bodily fluids of infected people, as well as through contact with contaminated objects, like needles. A person is not contagious (i.e. able to spread the virus) until symptoms appear, which is typically between 8-15 days after the virus is in the body, though it can range from 2 – 21 days. Symptoms of EVD include sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired liver and kidney function, and possibly internal and external bleeding. Since the initial symptoms of EVD can mimic other viral illnesses – such as the flu, for example- often a diagnosis of EVD is delayed. Diagnosis can be made by performing a variety of laboratory tests on samples from a patient. CDC Travel Advisories As of October 7, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the following travel advisories for the U.S.: · Level 3 advisories for Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea (avoid non-essential travel) · Level 1 advisory for Nigeria (practice usual precautions) Our Current Situation in the U.S. The first ever U.S. documented case of Ebola virus, aside from the patients who have been flown here from Africa for treatment, appeared in Dallas, Texas last month in a man who had traveled to the U.S. from Liberia. Unfortunately that patient died today in the hospital. Many other people have been or are currently in healthcare facilities for observation and testing for EVD due to symptom presentation. According to federal officials, U.S. airports will soon begin to implement screening procedures on passengers arriving in the U.S. from countries in Africa where Ebola is a concern. Despite the fact this current outbreak is the largest on record, the risk of contracting Ebola virus in the U.S. still remains very low, though we all must remain vigilant and proactive. Pay attention to your surroundings and follow precautionary guidelines from organizations like the CDC and World Health Organization. The risk of getting Ebola is highest for healthcare workers caring for patients, and for family/friends that care for their loved ones who have or had the virus. Protect Yourself Seek medical attention if you begin to experience symptoms listed above, particularly if you have additional risk factors for EVD exposure, such as travel to Western Africa or if you become aware that you had contact with someone else experiencing symptoms. Never touch the body of a person who has died from EVD, as they can still transmit the virus. Protect others by limiting your interactions if you suspect you are ill. Generally avoid others who are sick, and practice good hand hygiene at all times. Keep up to date with all recommended vaccinations, including influenza.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 23:41:24 +0000
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