EBOLA AND THE HYSTERIA SURROUNDING IT
With the recent cases of Ebola in the United States, there has been mass hysteria regarding viral prevention and treatment. The epidemiology and decision of public health leaders were widely criticized for how they handled the American cases. West African countries are experiencing the largest ebola outbreak in their history, meaning there are decisions to be made regarding viral control.
Here are some necessities.
1. Healthcare System Preparedness
There needs to be good communication and emergency operation plans in place involving healthcare facilities, emergency management, and healthcare providers that address the highly sensitive needs of Ebola treatment and prevention. There must be proper guidance in how to treat people with Ebola while keeping the community safe.
2. Emergency Public Information and Warning
It is important to create messages for the public as well as internal staff which includes general information about Ebola including public risk, risk of transmission, and preventative measures.
3. Dissemination of Information
Make sure personnel have access to information systems and CDCHealth alert notifications. Make sure that all changes to the CDC Ebola website is updated, and that personnel are aware of updates and current methods of prevention and treatment.
4. Travel and Public Health Interventions
The state and local medical and epidemiological staff should be up to date on the latest travelers recommendations. TSA should be aware of the symptoms of Ebola, and must know what to do if they notice a traveler with said symptoms.
5. Lab Testing
Laboratories must have updated information on how to properly handle specimens when testing Ebola patients.
6. Protocol and Procedures
Protocols and Procedures must be reviewed and followed by clinical laboratories.
7. Public Health Surveillance
The public must be informed on how to look for symptoms of Ebola amongst their peers.
8. Epidemiological Investigation
Epidemiological tools must be available to appropriate staff, who must know how to implement them.
9. Responder Safety
State and local stockpiles of personal protective equipment must be adequate. Responders and clinicians must be trained on how to properly use them so they can protect themselves.
10. Responder Knowledge
Responders must review CDC guidance on worker safety, as well as the treatment suggestions for Ebola patients.
Here are some necessities.
1. Healthcare System Preparedness
There needs to be good communication and emergency operation plans in place involving healthcare facilities, emergency management, and healthcare providers that address the highly sensitive needs of Ebola treatment and prevention. There must be proper guidance in how to treat people with Ebola while keeping the community safe.
2. Emergency Public Information and Warning
It is important to create messages for the public as well as internal staff which includes general information about Ebola including public risk, risk of transmission, and preventative measures.
3. Dissemination of Information
Make sure personnel have access to information systems and CDCHealth alert notifications. Make sure that all changes to the CDC Ebola website is updated, and that personnel are aware of updates and current methods of prevention and treatment.
4. Travel and Public Health Interventions
The state and local medical and epidemiological staff should be up to date on the latest travelers recommendations. TSA should be aware of the symptoms of Ebola, and must know what to do if they notice a traveler with said symptoms.
5. Lab Testing
Laboratories must have updated information on how to properly handle specimens when testing Ebola patients.
6. Protocol and Procedures
Protocols and Procedures must be reviewed and followed by clinical laboratories.
7. Public Health Surveillance
The public must be informed on how to look for symptoms of Ebola amongst their peers.
8. Epidemiological Investigation
Epidemiological tools must be available to appropriate staff, who must know how to implement them.
9. Responder Safety
State and local stockpiles of personal protective equipment must be adequate. Responders and clinicians must be trained on how to properly use them so they can protect themselves.
10. Responder Knowledge
Responders must review CDC guidance on worker safety, as well as the treatment suggestions for Ebola patients.