(Wampsville, NY – Nov. 2014) On Oct. 23, the Madison County Health Department met with hospitals in the county, Madison County Emergency Management, first responder agencies, colleges and universities and other partners to discuss local plans for coordinating an Ebola response.
There are no cases of Ebola or contacts to cases in Madison County; however, people who travel by airplane, ride in an ambulance or visit a healthcare provider should expect to be screened for fever and be asked about recent travel. These additional screening measures are in place to protect our communities, and we ask for your cooperation.
Agencies in Madison County are following the most current guidelines and are in communication with each other and the New York State Department of Health.
Hospitals in Madison County have reviewed their points of access and have implemented clear policies and procedures designed to protect the public, patients and employees. Local healthcare workers and first-responders are spending many hours preparing, including reviewing protocols, plans, equipment, training and conducting drills.
“Although the likelihood of seeing Ebola in Madison County is extremely low, we want to make sure as a community we have identified what we need to do and what we need to work on to ensure the health of our community,” said Public Health Director Eric Faisst. “Protecting the health and safety of everyone who lives, works and plays in Madison County is our number-one priority.”
People who traveled to West African countries where Ebola is widespread or have had close contact with someone with Ebola are most at risk. Signs and symptoms of Ebola can develop within two to 21 days after exposure to the Ebola virus and may include fever, headache, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
If you are ill and believe you have these risk factors, immediately alert your doctor’s office or emergency room by phone about your symptoms, 21-day travel history and if you had direct contact with a person who might have Ebola. It is important to provide this information before arriving for medical care. If you take an ambulance, make sure to tell the dispatcher of your symptoms and travel history.
“While heightened awareness for Ebola is needed, we also need to keep in mind that the flu season is upon us,” Faisst said. “Symptoms of the flu and the early stages of Ebola are similar and we expect to see increased visits to healthcare providers for fever during the fall and winter.”
If you have fever and flu-like symptoms and do not have a travel history, you may have a vaccine-preventable disease like flu, pertussis or strep pneumonia infection. During a public health threat like Ebola, other diseases may have similar signs and symptoms at the beginning of illness.
Getting vaccinated for diseases we can prevent, like the flu, will help doctors when they evaluate patients for other diseases. Good hygiene like frequent hand-washing, keeping your hands away from your face and cleaning areas of frequent contact are all good ways to protect yourself from many infections.
To learn more, visit Madison County Health Department at www.healthymadisoncounty.org.