Ebola: How We’re Prepared and What You Should Know
The Ebola virus has made its way to the United States, with the first confirmed case acquired in Liberia admitted to a hospital in Texas. While the disease can be deadly, it is not easily transmitted and can only be contracted through direct contact with bodily fluids. Recognizing a potential Ebola case early and providing appropriate isolation and treatment are key to preventing the spread of the disease. Since detecting the disease early can be challenging since the initial symptoms are similar to the flu, all incoming patients need to be questioned about recent travel and potential exposure.
Should the need arise, AAMC is well-prepared to care for Ebola patients.
How We’re Screening for the Disease: All patients entering the Emergency Departments and other points of intake will be asked about their recent travel history, which will be documented in Alec. Isolation protocols and health care team personal protective equipment will be used as indicated. Any patient presenting with symptoms and an exposure history consistent with possible Ebola will be admitted to an isolation room as a precaution.
All are invited to the Ebola and Other Emerging Epidemics grand rounds on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 5:30pm in the Doordan Institute, 7th Floor, Belcher Pavilion. Learn more here: Nurses invited to attend Medicine Dept. Grand Rounds, “Ebola and Other Emerging Epidemics”
-Mary Clance, MD, Hospital Epidemiologist
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