Hospitals, health department prepared for Ebola

U.S. health officials have warned for months that someone infected with the Ebola virus, seen here, could unknowingly carry the virus to the U.S., which happened last week in Dallas.
AP file photo

By BEN KLEINE | News Herald Writer | Twitter: @BenKleinepcnh

Published: Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 06:17 PM.

PANAMA CITY — While an encounter with Ebola seems unlikely in Bay County, local health officials are preparing to contain the deadly virus, just in case.
Mike Ralston, public information officer for Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, said the hospital has a screening tool to document contagious respiratory illnesses for patients who recently traveled outside of the United States. It also takes isolation precautions for patients who exhibit symptoms and recently have traveled to affected areas, and the hospital has personal protective equipment for caregivers, disinfection practices for equipment, supplies and other materials used to care for a patient, and an internal communications system to limit exposure among caregivers.
Tammy Newton, public information officer for Bay Medical Center Sacred Heart Health System, said her hospital’s preparation is similar. It includes education for staff, a questionnaire for patients about recent travel, the ability to isolate patients, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended supplies such as  gowns, masks, face shields and gloves.
Bay County Health Department nursing program specialist Mike Fluharty said his group’s concern is focused on two factors: recent travel to West Africa and the presence of a fever, one of the first symptoms of Ebola. Other symptoms include severe headaches, vomiting and diarrhea.
Fluharty said the department will interview anyone who comes in who has traveled outside the United States. The department supplies necessary immunizations for travel that is usually planned well in advance, he said.
As far as personal protection, Fluharty recommends avoiding anyone who exhibits any symptoms and people who recently have traveled to West Africa. The virus can be transmitted only by secretion of a bodily fluid — such as in sneezing or vomiting — that is in contact with the mouth, nose or a cut on the skin.
“Thinking about protecting myself, hand washing is extremely important,” Fluharty said.