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PHO Message: Notice to Review Ebola Policies and Proceders



Public Health Officer Message:  Notice to Review Ebola Policies and Procedures
December 14, 2022
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Dear Healthcare Provider,

As the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda continues to evolve, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health (SBCDPH) will share new evidence and updates from CDPH and CDC. Frontline workers, including urgent care and outpatient clinics, are advised to take extreme precautions upon identification of patients with relevant exposure, history, and compatible symptoms to EVD. Immediate isolation of patients and reporting to the SBCDPH in case of a suspected EVD case is critical.

Re-establishing Ebola-specific policies as part of the ongoing strategic planning and readiness should include equipping staff with proper PPE supplies, training and proficiency in donning/doffing protocols, proper waste management, and implementing routine triage screening questions for international travel patients when presenting with symptoms. It is advised that you involve your educators and infection preventionists in updating practices. For further guidance, please refer to the following CDPH guidance.

Individuals who have recently traveled outside of the county and are conveying the following symptoms can indicate a possible EVD case:

  • Fever
  • Severe headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • GI complaints: vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
  • Unexplained bleeding (fever and bleeding are not universally present)

SBCDPH is actively tracking at-risk travelers and are working closely with CDPH. The decision to test and/or transfer a patient to a designated treatment center is made in conjunction with Public Health. There are several designated treatment centers for the Southern California region, and others are currently being identified.

Attached with this notice is a copy of a webinar for frontline healthcare facilities hosted by CDPH and Cedars Sinai. Additional education materials can be found on the CDPH website: https:/ /www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Ebola VirusDisease.aspx

Sincerely,

Michael A. Sequeira, MD, Health Officer 
San Bernardino County Department of Public Health



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