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“We know that the risk of a widespread outbreak of the Ebola virus in America is very, very low,” Finch said after Yale-New Haven Hospital reported a person who had recently returned from Liberia was admitted and placed in isolation after experiencing a fever. “But it’s critical that if necessary, we’re ready to deal with the worst case scenario. We must be vigilant and prepared. We’re doing just that.”
Finch has been briefed by staff at both hospitals in the city. Both hospitals have instituted training to keep their medical staff safe while still providing the highest level of medical care for any potential patient.
The Police Department and Fire Department have reinforced universal safety precautions for all of their first responders. Finch stressed that the measures were precautionary and began prior to the patient being treated at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
In the Fire Department, for example, firefighters are screening all patients during medical calls by asking a series of basic questions.
“We have been closely monitoring the events in Dallas, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the people there who have contracted or potentially been exposed to the virus,” said Finch. “I also understand why people are concerned here. The risk is extremely low, but we are prepared.”
For more information, visit the CDC’s web page for Ebola at www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/.
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