Letter To Healdsburg Residents From County Health Officials Regarding Ebola Preparation

November 4, 2014

Dear Editor,

Since reports of the first confirmed case of Ebola in the U.S. and the subsequent transmission to two healthcare workers in Dallas, many Americans have been following the evolving situation with great concern.

While there have been no cases of Ebola in California and the risk to people living and working in our counties is very low, it is important that the healthcare system and local public health departments be fully prepared.

We want to assure residents that there is a vigorous planning process ongoing within our counties and across California to ensure we are prepared for the arrival of a person suspected of having Ebola in any of our communities.

Our local health departments are working with hospitals, Emergency Medical Services, first responders and other healthcare partners to develop detailed plans for the identification and care of anyone at risk of Ebola disease and to protect the public’s health.

In addition to preparing locally, health departments are coordinating with and receiving guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Ebola virus disease is a severe disease but it does not spread easily from person to person except through contact with blood or body fluids of a sick person.

While the risk of Ebola transmission in California is low, we are nonetheless monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to take steps to keep our residents safe. We have plans for Ebola and other public health emergencies. Our Ebola response plans are flexible and able to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances and balance the need to both respect the dignity and service of the brave volunteers returning to our communities while, the same time, protecting the public’s health.

For more information, the California Department of Public Health has a hotline to answer questions from those concerned about the possibility of Ebola in California. (Story here: State Establishes Ebola Hotline & Call Center.)

The hotline, 855-421-5921 will be in operation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More information about Ebola disease is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.

Sincerely,

Karen Smith, M.D., M.P.H., Health Officer and Deputy Director, Napa County Health and Human Services Agency

Bela Matyas, M.D., M.P.H., Health Officer/Deputy Director, Solano County Health and Social Services Agency

Karen Milman, M.D., M.P.H., Health Officer, Sonoma County Department of Health Services

William Walker, M.D., Director and Health Officer, Contra Costa Health Services

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