Kane Co. Coordinates Effort to Monitor Ebola Virus

By Amie Schaenzer

After the confirmation of the first diagnosed case of Ebola virus in the United States, the Kane County Health Department is coordinating its efforts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, area local health departments, hospitals and medical facilities to monitor for the Ebola virus.

It is important to remember the Ebola virus does not spread easily and, though one individual has been diagnosed in the United States, there have been no reported cases of people becoming infected while here, the health department said.

The Ebola virus is spread by direct contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has symptoms or with a person who has recently died from Ebola.

It may also be spread through objects or surfaces contaminated by body fluids of a person infected with Ebola virus, for example, clothing or bedding. Ebola is not spread through the air, by water or by food.

The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to areas affected by the Ebola virus disease outbreak. You can protect yourself by the following these guidelines:

• Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of those who are ill.
• Do not handle items that have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.
• Use protective clothing (gloves, gown, masks and eyewear) when caring for sick persons.
• Monitor your health for 21 days after leaving the affected area.
• Seek medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of Ebola
• More information on the Ebola is available online at www.kanehealth.com/ebola.htm