Patient Monitored for Potential Ebola Exposure
Amarillo, TX – The City of Amarillo’s Public Health Department is actively monitoring a small number of travelers from West Africa for possible Ebola exposure. While they were not symptomatic at their point of entry into the United States, possible symptoms have since presented. As a result, at least one individual has been transported to a local hospital for evaluation. In addition to the evaluation, Public Health officials will monitor these individuals twice a day for 21 days and follow local protocols in addressing health concerns of this nature.
“We have been planning for such an event since September. Community partners such as fire, AMS, police, emergency management, environmental health, airport, animal control and county agencies have been instrumental in proper planning and response,” says Public Health Director Casie Stoughton. “By following these protocols we’re greatly reducing the likelihood of exposing others.”
Deputy Health Authority Dr. Ako Bradford adds that these individuals do not pose a risk to the general population. As a precaution, these individuals will be evaluated for possible Ebola.
“Remember, the likelihood of contracting Ebola is extremely low unless a person has direct unprotected contact with the blood or body fluids (like urine, saliva, feces, vomit, sweat, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola,” Dr. Bradford says. “Ebola cannot be spread simply by being near someone who is infected.”
For more questions and answers regarding Ebola concerns, visit http://www.texasebola.org/information.htm.
