There have not been any cases of Ebola in our part of the country, but many are concerned about the potential of the virus spreading to Indiana and Illinois. To that end, lots of information and support is being provided by the health officials in both states and we’re got the links to all that information (which is routinely updated) here:
1. Illinois
See the Illinois Ebola Info Website
In Illinois, the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health has announced that a hotline is being set up for the public to call and ask questions about Ebola. From Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck:
“Although, to date, there have been no persons in Illinois under investigation for suspected Ebola that has warranted testing, we understand there is concern and people have many questions. IDPH will be setting up a hotline to help provide answers to questions the public may have, including who may be infected with Ebola, how is it spread and what can I do to avoid it.
“After this morning’s announcement of a second health care worker at a Texas hospital who provided care for the first U.S. Ebola victim preliminarily tested positive for Ebola, I would like to reassure Illinoisans that IDPH continues to work closely with hospitals and local health departments to provide guidance to quickly identify any potential cases of Ebola and contain any possible spread.
“The situation in Texas is being investigated to determine how the transmission of Ebola occurred. Information learned by hospital, state and federal officials will be used to inform our efforts in Illinois to help prevent a similar situation here.
“We will continue to communicate with the public and will report any suspected or confirmed Ebola case in Illinois.”
2. Indiana
See the Indiana Ebola Info Webpage
In Indiana, Governor Mike Pence has announced that his office, working with the Indiana Department of Health, will be publishing a webcast for Indiana medical providers (doctors, nurses, etc.) on how Indiana is prepared for the Ebola virus. From Governor Pence:
“At this time, we have no reported cases of Ebola Virus in Indiana. However, there is no doubt that the Ebola Virus has been a cause for international concern and is a growing concern here in the U.S., now more than ever,” said Pence. “In Indiana we have successfully managed emerging diseases before, most recently, the H1N1 Pandemic Flu in 2009 and the first U.S. case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome earlier this year. The professionalism, dedication and medical expertise demonstrated by our public health and healthcare community during these and other outbreaks gives me confidence that we are prepared to effectively respond to Ebola in our state, should we get a case.”
You can watch the 57 minute video here.
