Health Officials Prepare for Ebola in Ashburn

With cases and potential cases of Ebola arriving in Texas and elsewhere, hospitals and health organizations across the country are preparing for local cases of the dangerous virus, while noting the limited risk within the community.

Loudoun County announced its efforts to combat the virus and educate the public with a new website: loudoun.gov/ebola.

“As the home of Dulles Airport, it is critical that we are prepared for any eventuality,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott K. York. “We take our mission to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of Loudoun very seriously.”

Dulles International Airport began screening some passengers from western Africa on Thursday. Nearby, Fairfax County Schools has implemented a new police in the nurse‘s office, with students quizzed about their travel when they present Ebola symptoms.

“It’s important to remember that people with Ebola cannot spread germs until they have symptoms, and that the disease is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of a person who has Ebola,” said Dr. David Goodfriend, Loudoun County Health Department Director.

Goodfriend said that while Ebola is not in the region, it is nevertheless a good time to remind everyone of the steps they can take to protect against germs:

• Wash your hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Stay home when you or your loved ones are sick.

The Loudoun County Health Department is available at 703-737-8300 or health@loudoun.gov.

More from our Patch communities:

• Yale-New Haven Hospital Treating Patient With Ebola-Like Symptoms
• UPDATE: Obama Cancels New Jersey Trip To Deal With Government’s Ebola Response
• Police Wear Ebola Gear While Arresting Former Gubernatorial Candidate