NASEMSO Releases Ebola Preparedness Report
Dear Colleague,
The Department of Health and Human Services continues to work with other U.S. government agencies, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other domestic and international partners in an international response to the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The attached document summarizes key messages about the outbreak and the response. It will be updated as new information becomes available and distributed regularly. Please share this document with others as appropriate.
NASEMSO Releases Ebola Preparedness Report
The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMO) distributed a survey in early November to a select number of state emergency medical services (EMS) officials to provide insight about local 9-1-1 and EMS coordination, EMS protocols and medical direction, training of local EMS providers, personal protective equipment (PPE), waste disposal, and transport of patients suspected to have Ebola. Ten states participated in the survey (California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia). NASEMSO conducted this survey to assist CDC’s efforts in supporting state and local jurisdictions as they prepare to manage Ebola patients. The survey results are attached.
Online Resources
- Interim Guidance for Managers and Workers Handling Untreated Sewage from Individuals with Ebola in the United States – November 20, 2014
- Communicating with West African Communities - New Lists of Available Materials–November 20, 2014
- Updated Case Counts – November 20, 2014
- How to Talk with Your Children about Ebola Factsheet (PDF - 2 pages)- November 20, 2014
- Best Practices for Procuring Personal Protective Equipment for Ebola Response–November 20, 2014
- Top 10 Things You Really Need to Know about Ebola (PDF - 1 page)– November 19, 2014
- 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa - Cumulative Reported Cases Graphs– November 19, 2014
CDC Clarifies Exit Screening Procedures in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone
Travelers leaving Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone are being screened at airports before departure. Based on the screening, authorities will decide if and when travelers can continue their trip.
- If travelers have symptoms of Ebola or have had a high risk of exposure, they will not be allowed to travel on commercial flights to the United States and potentially to other countries.
- If travelers have symptoms of Ebola, they will not be able to travel until their symptoms go away, unless they are being medically evacuated to receive needed care.
- If they have had a high risk of exposure to Ebola but are not sick, they will either have to arrange a charter flight home or stay in the country until 21 days after their last exposure and authorities ensure it is safe for them to travel.
Sincerely,
Division of Health System Policy
HHS / ASPR /OPP
Thomas P. O’Neill Federal Building
200 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20024