Local agencies monitoring Ebola outbreak
COSHOCTON – The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history. On Oct. 15, the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) notified the Ohio Department of Health that the second healthcare worker in Dallas diagnosed with Ebola visited family in Akron from Oct. 8-13.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is working with the Summit County Health Department to identify people who may have been in close contact with the healthcare worker and to implement quarantines as necessary. ODH is also working with the CDC to identify individuals that may have traveled on the same flight from Cleveland to Dallas.
Locally, the Coshocton County and City Health Departments are working together and with the Ohio Department of Health, Coshocton Hospital and the Coshocton County Emergency Management Agency to share information and monitor the Ebola outbreak. The local health departments, who receive their guidance from the Ohio Department of Health, will work with partner agencies and are prepared to escalate their education and response efforts if the need arises.
While Ebola does not pose an imminent risk to Ohio residents, out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio Department of Health is working closely with local health departments, hospitals, EMS responders, physicians, other health care professionals and state agencies to be prepared for any further outbreaks.
The Ohio Department of Health has activated a 24-hour-a-day call center to answer Ohioans’ questions about Ebola and the recent events in Ohio in an effort to ensure Ohioans get accurate, timely information. The 24-hours-a-day number for Ohioans to call is 1-866-800-1404. The call center will be staffed by public health nurses and other public health professionals, with infectious disease specialists available as needed. The call center hours may be changed as call volume indicates.
More information on Ebola can be found on the CDC, ODH, and County Health Department websites.
Category: People & Places
