San Mateo County Prepares for Ebola

While the risk of an Ebola breakout in the U.S. is very low, San Mateo County is taking preparedness for Ebola very seriously.

The first case of Ebola was confirmed in New York City Thursday.

San Mateo County hospitals, labs, and Communicable Disease Program, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Office of Emergency Services, and Emergency Medical Services Agency, which includes fire, police, 9-1-1 dispatch, and ambulance transport, are working together to ensure that a highly coordinated response is in place and ready to put into operation, should a case of Ebola occur in the County.

“While it’s good for the public to stay informed about Ebola, there is no current risk and residents do not need to change their health habits or do anything different in their day to day lives,” stated Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. “The biggest infectious disease risk right now is the flu, and the best way the public can help is to stay healthy and get a flu shot.”

The Health System website has the latest information on Ebola preparation efforts in San Mateo County and is the best source for the public, County staff, partners, other Bay Area Counties, and stakeholders to access updates and the most recent guidelines.

The website includes daily Ebola updates for County hospitals, emergency responders, County labs, and SFO.

An Ebola FAQ is currently being translated into several languages and will soon be available on the website. In addition, there are sector specific websites with Ebola information and resources for County healthcare providers and County Emergency Medical Services.

Llearn more about free flu vaccine clinics in San Mateo County.

--Information from San Mateo County Health System

--Image via Shutterstock

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