Edwards/Elmhurst Hospital shared this valuable information in their recent newsletter:
In light of the evolving situation in Texas related to the Ebola virus – and with the safety of you, your family and our staff in the forefront of our minds – here are five things you should know:
1. The Ebola virus is containable. Other hospitals in the U.S., including Emory University Hospital and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, have shown this to date. With a vigilant, aggressive plan, we are prepared to do the same in the unlikely event we care for a patient with the Ebola virus. To date, no one in Illinois has tested positive for the Ebola virus.
2. If you or someone you know is experiencing Ebola symptoms (click here for symptoms), and has recently traveled to West Africa, the patient should not go to their doctor’s office, but should call the nearest Emergency Room and then proceed to that ER. You can minimize your risk of transmitting or contracting other types of infections by washing your hands and by avoiding contact with the body fluids of people who are sick.
3. Edward and Elmhurst Hospitals will continue to require protective measures for employees that exceed the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control(CDC).
4. We have activated an emergency plan that requires screening at key entry points at our hospitals and clinics to identify patients at risk for Ebola. These locations include our ERs, Immediate Care Centers, Walk-In Clinics and physician offices.
5. Our emergency plan includes in-depth training of Emergency Room staff, other key caregivers (e.g. Intensive Care nurses) and support staff, who would be responsible for the care of an Ebola patient or a patient suspected of having the Ebola virus.
Your safety, and the safety of our experienced healthcare team, is always our #1 priority. While the risk for most people is low, we’re taking every precaution. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
For additional details about the Ebola virus, visit:
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