http://www.strac.org/index.php/ebolaEbola Virus Info
*San Antonio Metropolitan Health District Business Line: 210-207-8780 | Emergency Reporting: 210-207-8876* *DSHS Region 8 Busines Line: 210-949-2000* | *Emergency Reporting: 210-949-2121* | *E-MAIL* <%20%3Cscript%20type=%27text/javascript%27%3E%20%3C%21--%20var%20prefix%20=%20%27ma%27%20+%20%27il%27%20+%20%27to%27;%20var%20path%20=%20%27hr%27%20+%20%27ef%27%20+%20%27=%27;%20var%20addy62350%20=%20%27diana.acosta%27%20+%20%27@%27;%20addy62350%20=%20addy62350%20+%20%27dshs%27%20+%20%27.%27%20+%20%27state%27%20+%20%27.%27%20+%20%27tx%27%20+%20%27.%27%20+%20%27us%27;%20document.write%28%27%3Ca%20%27%20+%20path%20+%20%27%5C%27%27%20+%20prefix%20+%20%27:%27%20+%20addy62350%20+%20%27%5C%27%3E%27%29;%20document.write%28addy62350%29;%20document.write%28%27%3C%5C/a%3E%27%29;%20//--%3E%5Cn%20%3C/script%3E%3Cscript%20type=%27text/javascript%27%3E%20%3C%21--%20document.write%28%27%3Cspan%20style=%5C%27display:%20none;%5C%27%3E%27%29;%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3EThis%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.%20You%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it.%20%3Cscript%20type=%27text/javascript%27%3E%20%3C%21--%20document.write%28%27%3C/%27%29;%20document.write%28%27span%3E%27%29;%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3E?Subject=Ebola%20Inquiry> *DSHS Region 8* Important Documents 1) DSHS Algorithm for Testing of Suspected EVD 2014 Aug v2 (PDF) <http://www.strac.org/index.php/2-uncategorised/217-ebola-lab-testing> 2) Regional First Responder Process to Exposure to Suspected Ebola Virus (SAMHD/Reg-8) (PDF) <http://www.strac.org/index.php/2-uncategorised/216-ebola-exposure-algorithm> 3) Interim Guidance for EMS Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) (PDF) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/interim-guidance-emergency-medical-services-systems-911-public-safety-answering-points-management-patients-known-suspected-united-states.html> 4) STRAC Blood Body Fluids Exposure Algorithm and Reporting Form 2014, Aug (PDF) <http://www.strac.org/index.php/home/docman-files/infection-control/501-blood-and-bodily-fluid-exposure-algorithm> 5) CDC Ebola Health Advisory 2014, Aug (PDF) <http://www.strac.org/index.php/home/docman-files/infection-control/503-cdc-ebola-health-advisory-2014-aug> 6) Hospital Checklist Ebola Preparedness 2014, Sep (PDF) <http://www.strac.org/index.php/home/docman-files/infection-control/516-hospital-checklist-ebola-preparedness-2014-sep> Helpful Links 1) Infographic: What is Contact Tracing? 2014, Aug (PDF) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/contact-tracing.pdf> 2) Questions and Answers on Ebola (Webpage) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/guinea/qa.html> 3) Interim Specimen Collection, Transport, Testing, & Submission Guidance (Webpage) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/interim-guidance-specimen-collection-submission-patients-suspected-infection-ebola.html> 4) Guidance for Safe Handling of Human Remains of Ebola Patients (Webpage) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/guidance-safe-handling-human-remains-ebola-patients-us-hospitals-mortuaries.html> 5) Advice for Humanitarian Aid Workers (Webpage) <http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/humanitarian-workers-ebola> 6) CDC Health Alert Network (Webpage) <http://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2014.asp> 7) Case Definition for Ebola Virus Disease (Webpage) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/case-definition.html> 8) CDC Interim Guidance for Monitoring and Movement of Persons with Ebola Exposure (Webpage) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/monitoring-and-movement-of-persons-with-exposure.html> 9) CDC 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa Updates (Webpage) <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/guinea/index.html> As all of you are probably aware by now, there has been an outbreak of Ebola virus in Western Africa. While there is no evidence at this time for an outbreak in the US, we are a mobile society, and thus we must all remain very vigilant in the potential recognition of the viral disease in our patients, and protect ourselves should we encounter a possible Ebola patient. <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/clinician-information-us-healthcare-settings.html> Universal precautions are critical in the prevention of disease if fire or EMS personnel come into contact with a possible Ebola patient. If personnel encounter such a patient, they should have gloves, goggles, face protection, and barrier protection on at all times. Surgical masks are recommended in most situations, as this virus is not felt to be transmitted through airborne means, but N95 masks are recommended if aerosol generating procedures are performed (intubation, nebulization, CPAP, suctioning). Early notification to the receiving hospital is critical so they can prepare their PPE <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/infection-prevention-and-control-recommendations.html> and isolation precautions. This should be stressed by EMS personnel. After notifying your Agency’s infection control officer, please also contact MEDCOM at 210-233-5815 immediately if care is provided to a patient with recent travel to west Africa and one or more Ebola symptoms. MEDCOM will then notify STRAC and others who need to be involved in the situation to work with your chief and infection control officer to assist the affected personnel with the processes to follow upon the completion of patient care or transport. First responders should contact their department's Chief/Director and their Medical Control/Medical Direction with any questions or concerns. Emily G. Kidd, MD Interim Medical Director, San Antonio Fire Department Chair, Regional EMS Medical Director's Committee Signs and symptoms of Ebola are: - Fever (101.5 F or higher) - Headache - Muscle aches - Weakness - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Abdominal pain - Unexplained bleeding The four countries of concern (for recent travel) are: - Guinea - Sierra Leone - Liberia - Nigeria Questions and Answers on Ebola *Updated: August 20, 2014* The current Ebola outbreak is centered on four countries in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, although there is the potential for further spread to neighboring African countries. Ebola does not pose a significant risk to the U.S. public. The CDC is surging resources by sending 50 more workers to the area to help bring the outbreak under control. What is Ebola? Ebola virus is the cause of a viral hemorrhagic fever disease. Symptoms of Ebola include fever and additional symptoms like severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to Ebola virus, although 8-10 days is most common. How is Ebola transmitted? The virus is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or unprotected mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with the blood or body fluids ( urine, feces, saliva, semen, and other secretions) of a person who is sick with Ebola, or with objects like needles that have been contaminated with the virus, or infected animals. Ebola is not spread through the air or by water or, in general, by food; however, in Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of hunting, processing, and consuming infected animals (e.g., bushmeat). Can I get Ebola from a person who is infected but doesn’t have any symptoms? No. A person infected with Ebola virus is not contagious until symptoms appear. Are there any cases of individuals contracting Ebola in the United States? No. As of August 15, no confirmed Ebola cases have been reported in the United States, with the exception of two U.S. healthcare workers who were infected with Ebola virus in Liberia were transported to a hospital in the United States. Other patients under investigation in the United States have all tested negative for Ebola. What is being done to prevent ill passengers in West Africa from getting on a plane? CDC is assisting with exit screening and communication efforts on the ground in West Africa to prevent sick travelers from getting on planes. In addition, airports in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone are screening outbound travelers for Ebola symptoms, including fever, and passengers are required to respond to a health questionnaire. CDC is also surging support in the region by deploying 50 additional workers to help build capacity on the ground. What is CDC doing in the United States? On the remote possibility that an ill traveler arrives the U.S., CDC has protocols in place to protect against further spread of disease. These include notification to CDC of ill travelers on a plane before arrival, evaluation of ill travelers, isolation and transport to a medical facility if needed. CDC, along with Customs & Border Patrol, have also provided guidance to airlines for managing ill passengers and crew and for disinfecting aircraft. CDC has issued a Health Alert Notice reminding U.S. healthcare workers of the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of this virus, how to test and isolate suspected patients and how they can protect themselves from infection. What about ill Americans with Ebola who are being brought to the United States for treatment? How is CDC protecting the American public? CDC has very well-established protocols in place to ensure the safe transport and care of patients with infectious diseases back to the United States. These procedures cover the entire process -- from patients leaving their bedside in a foreign country to their transport to an airport and boarding a non-commercial airplane equipped with a special transport isolation unit, to their arrival at a medical facility in the United States that is appropriately equipped and staffed to handle such cases. CDC’s role is to ensure that travel and hospitalization is done to minimize risk of spread of infection and to ensure that the American public is protected. Patients were evacuated in similar ways during SARS. What does the CDC’s Travel Alert Level 3 mean to U.S. travelers? CDC recommends that U.S. residents avoid nonessential travel to Liberia. If you must travel, such as for humanitarian aid work in response to the outbreak, protect yourself by following CDC’s advice for avoiding contact with the blood and body fluids of people who are ill with Ebola. State and local senior health officials who have Ebola-related questions can contact CDC’s IMS State Coordination Task Force (SCTF) Emergency Operations Center Desk at [email protected] __._,_.___ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ __,_._,___ -- -- Thanks for being part of "PoliticalForum" at Google Groups. For options & help see http://groups.google.com/group/PoliticalForum * Visit our other community at http://www.PoliticalForum.com/ * It's active and moderated. Register and vote in our polls. * Read the latest breaking news, and more. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "PoliticalForum" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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