Though the Ebola viral illness has yet to be confirmed here in Indiana, Hoosier medical teams are being proactive and diligent in protecting citizens for this and other diseases.
Working toward consistent protocol
Under the direction of Public Safety Director Troy Riggs, Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department and an associate professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Indiana University School of Medicine, said Marion County has already taken steps to prepare for Ebola.
“The Indianapolis Patient Safety Coalition, which includes each of the major hospitals, have been meeting on a regular basis primarily to make sure we have screening and isolation procedures in place and ensure patient safety,” said Caine.
“We have another major coalition that meets regularly called MESH and they solely emphasize public health preparedness. We are trying to have consistent protocol.”
Currently, patients coming to any Marion County Hospital or Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) are questioned about their travel history. If someone has symptoms similar to Ebola and their travel history suggests they have been to one of the countries suffering an outbreak, such as Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, hospital and ambulance personnel are required to immediately outfit themselves in special protective equipment.
IEMS has dedicated an ambulance for the transport of suspected patients in Indy and surrounding areas. The Marion County Health Department has also issued instructions to all healthcare personnel about the safe use and handling of protective equipment and lab specimens.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s office issued a statement adding that the Department of Public Safety and Caine’s office are also making sure Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Indianapolis Fire Department have the equipment and information necessary to safely respond in cases where Ebola is suspected.
What makes Ebola difficult to identify is that its symptoms, such as fever, headache, joint and muscle pain and weakness, mirror other illnesses such as the flu. Caine advises that people remain firm in their knowledge on what is true and what is myth. She explained that while Ebola is not transmitted through the air, if someone infected with Ebola sneezes, for example, one could become infected from the droplets.
Ebola is readily spread through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.
“That’s why you’re seeing so many health care workers becoming infected as opposed to family members. Workers are handling and examining patients and if any fluids come into contact with the health care professional, they could possibly be transmitted,” said Caine.
“If you have to sneeze, do it in your arm, not your hands. Handle your fluids appropriately.”
And though Ebola is considered a “fragile” disease, she adds that it’s possible for it to live on surfaces for two days.
Caine knows Ebola has incited fear in many Americans, but assures the public that in Marion County, there are highly experienced and trained staff ready in case an Ebola outbreak were to occur. She adds that Dr. Kara Wools – Kaloustian, division director and associate professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, specializes in Africa-based illnesses, therefore Hoosiers have an expert readily available.
“Right now the fear of Ebola is greater than the threat it poses in Indianapolis,” said Riggs. “We are getting information to our first responders and equipment ready. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to go about living their daily lives and take the same kind of precautions you would use to prevent catching any type of illness.”
Preparedness at the state level
State health officials want to assure Hoosiers that Indiana has the public health infrastructure in place to effectively respond to Ebola and other public health threats. This system is one routinely used when responding to serious cases of infectious diseases such as measles and bacterial meningitis.
“We have a highly skilled and experienced team here at the State Health Department and together we are working to ensure that Indiana is prepared to safely and effectively care for a patient with Ebola, if necessary,” said newly appointed State Health Commissioner, Dr. Jerome Adams.
In a statement, the Indiana Department of Health said although positive cases of Ebola have been identified in the U.S., the virus is not circulating at this time. If that were to change, they and public health partners have procedures in place to identify travelers at risk of Ebola and will work with healthcare facilities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide testing, infection control and treatment guidance.
“The department often deals with viruses and disease outbreaks that don’t actually start in Indiana. Recent measles outbreaks in Indiana stared on another continent, but through surveillance, investigation and education, they were quickly controlled with minimal risk to Hoosiers,” assured Dr. William VanNess, former State Health Commissioner. “We prepare for everything whether the threat to Indiana is low or high.”
If this does not bring comfort to Hoosiers or they still have questions, the Indiana State Department of Health has information on their website StateHealth.in.gov. They’ve also opened a call center for the public to answer questions regarding Ebola. The call center number is (877) 826-0011. Call (888) 561-0044 for the hearing impaired.
Hoosiers can also visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov.
Local hospitals speak out
Local hospitals are under the direction of various entities such as the CDC, Indiana Department of Health, Marion County Public Health Department, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security and say they are compliant due to the nature of the issue.
“Indiana University Health is in close contact with health and government agencies to ensure patients, team members and the community are safe and protected in the event someone in Indiana tests positive for Ebola,” said Dr. Douglas Webb, medical director of Infection Control at Indiana University Health. “We are encouraged by the vigilance and preparation this matter is receiving in our state and the collaboration demonstrated by an extended team of national and local experts to ensure the best possible care for Hoosiers.”
Specifically, IU Health has been: identifying and preparing appropriate isolation areas to safely treat patients; implementing extended training for the care team of a patient diagnosed with Ebola; procuring necessary supplies such as personal protective equipment so that team members are protected as they provide care.
Webb emphasizes that IU Health has not received or treated any patients with Ebola at its facilities.
Joe Stuteville, media relations manager at Franciscan St. Francis Health said their facility began prepping for Ebola in August.
“On Oct. 1 we began active screenings such as asking questions such as ‘have you experienced Ebola symptoms?’ or “Have you traveled to any West African countries,’” Stuteville added.
Dr. Richard Fogel, CEO of St. Vincent Medical Group said they’ve set up a three pronged approach to their preparation: detect the illness, protect patients and staff, and respond appropriately.
They are also conducting drills at St. Vincent hospitals and care facilities and are making sure their staff is properly trained and educated in the event a “drill” becomes reality.
“We’ve identified a core group of staff who’s going to be responsible for taking care of persons under investigations,” said Fogel. “We’re also continuing to train them in equipment, policies and protocol in dealing with this specific type of patient.”
For information on other important diseases health officials are concerned about, visit Indianapolisrecorder.com.
Other important diseases
Ebola has caused a media stir, however, there are other illnesses Hoosiers should be aware of. The Marion County Public Health Department’s Dr. Caine said there are many patients that have malaria, a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die.
“A lot of times, we think it’s Ebola and turns out, it’s malaria,” said Caine.
Stuteville said Franciscan St. Francis Health is actively preparing for flu season. They and other health facilities around Marion County have been issuing the flu vaccine and systems such as Community Health Network have already had to replenish their vaccine supply a few times.
According to Sickweather Alert, fever, allergies, cough and the common cold are on the rise in Indianapolis. Finally, remember that all Indiana health care providers are required to report any cases of illness that might pose a risk to public health including Ebola, MRSA, measles, rubella, mumps, tuberculosis, pandemic influenza and other diseases.
