Ebola update: March 13, 2015
March 13, 2015
March 9, 2015
Situational Awareness Report as of March 9, 2015
On August 8, 2014, the World Health Organization (WHOL) declared the current Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The 2014 Ebola outbreak is the largest in history, with widespread transmission reported in three countries: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Two imported cases, including one death, and two locally acquired cases in healthcare workers were reported in the United States in 2014.
The risk remains extremely low for Ebola in Massachusetts; however the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is prepared for the low but present risk of Ebola based on facts, science, and guidance from experts at the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). The MDPH and CDC are using many various methods of communication to make the public educated and aware about Ebola.
State Epidemiologists and public health nurses (PHN), including our Revere PHN, has been involved in performing daily active monitoring of ALL travelers from Ebola-affected countries in West Africa to assess signs of fever or other symptoms consistent with Ebola virus disease. Travelers at low (but not zero) risk take their temperatures twice daily and report to the PHN once per day, seven days per week for 21 days. If higher than low risk, this surveillance is done in person by the PHN. To date, more than 300 travelers have been assessed in Massachusetts. NO traveler has contracted Ebola virus infection.
Situational Awareness Report: Ebola Monitoring from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management
March 9, 2015, Current Confirmed Cases:
There are 0 confirmed cases in Massachusetts.
There are 0 confirmed cases in New England.
There are 0 confirmed cases in the United States.
Internationally, as of March 4, 2015, WHO reports: Total Cases: 23,934; Laboratory Confirmed Cases: 14,333; Total Deaths: 9,792.
The City Public Health Departments of Massachusetts, including Revere, continue to monitor ongoing reports and conference calls and prepare for the low, but present risk of Ebola. CDC, MDPH and MEMA are the experts from which Revere continues to receive guidance and education. Look for updates to this virus in the coming weeks.