Illinois Department of Public Health Reassures Illinoisans

Illinois Department of Public Health Reassures Illinoisans After First Ebola Case Confirmed in the U.S.

 

SPRINGFIELD – This afternoon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first Ebola diagnosis in the United States in a patient in a Texas hospital.  Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck has this statement:

 

“While not easily transmittable, Ebola is a very serious virus.  At this time, Ebola does not pose a great health risk to the people of Illinois.  The Illinois Department of Public Health continues to work with the CDC, local health departments, hospitals and medical facilities to be vigilant for Ebola.  IDPH has issued guidance to health care facilities and medical professionals on evaluating patients and lab specimen submission.  Conducting surveillance for diseases, identifying potential cases, implementing infection control measures and stopping the spread of illness are core public health functions and we stand ready to protect the people of Illinois.

 

For the most up to date information on the Ebola virus, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html.

 

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Melaney Arnold
Illinois Department of Public Health

Communications Manager
(217) 558-0500
melaney.arnold@illinois.gov

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