Ebola risk low, but prevention still counts

by 673d Medical Group
News Release

11/28/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The recent import of the Ebola virus to the United States has highlighted one of the challenges of our global community - we are all connected to events in far-off places.

Locally, our risk is low; however we must ensure we have measures in place to detect this virus.

Similar to procedures you have seen across the nation, the Department of Defense has initiated screening procedures to assist in detecting any potential Ebola virus disease patients who may arrive at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Screening focuses on two key areas - symptoms, and the travel history of the patient and those they had contact with.

Patients complaining of fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained bleeding will be asked if they have traveled to West Africa (Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia), or have had contact with someone who is infected with Ebola virus disease.

If you are scheduling an appointment for any of the symptoms noted above, you  should expect to be asked about travel history and contacts.

As noted, our risk for Ebola virus disease is low.

Because we are entering cold and flu season, we expect people will have fevers and other symptoms common to these illnesses.

The travel and contact history portion of the screening will help identify those who could have EVD instead of common illnesses like colds and influenza.

The most important way to combat illnesses, including Ebola, is good hand-washing practices and "cough etiquette."

This is even more important as our children have returned to school, and as we gather indoors as the temperatures get cooler.

The more we gather, the greater the opportunity to share whatever we have.

To combat the spread of diseases - from Ebola to the common cold - wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home if you are sick, and get your flu vaccination.

We appreciate everyone's assistance in helping to keep our community healthy, and in providing some additional information should you need an appointment for symptoms associated with EVD.

Thanks for partnering with us to promote health and wellness year around across our entire JBER community.