Residents can visit www.ct.gov/ebola for useful facts
With the media attention regarding the Ebola Virus we would like to provide you with information and resources about the virus.
At this point in time, the ONLY people at risk of EBOLA in our communities are people who have travelled to Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea AND have had direct contact with a person with EBOLA.
EBOLA is not easily transmitted from one person to another. It is spread when a person comes in direct contact with bodily fluids like including blood, urine, feces, semen, breast milk, sweat or vomit. The virus is NOT spread through air, water or food. The virus is spread AFTER a person exhibits symptoms, not before.
The key to stopping the spread of this virus is early identification of cases and identification and monitoring of those that may have come in direct and close contact with the case. The Farmington Valley Health District has protocols and procedures in place for responding to infectious diseases including early identification of cases and strategies to control the spread of illness. The District is working closely with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to ensure that we stay current with the guidance coming out of the Governor’s office and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
CT DPH has issued guidance to physicians and healthcare institutions regarding screening and travel histories. In addition, screening protocols have been put in place for travelers arriving from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
What can you do to protect yourself, your family and your community from infectious diseases:
- Stay home when you are sick to prevent the spread of your illness to co-workers, teachers and classmates.
- Get a flu shot — the flu kills thousands of people a year and contributes to significant sick time from school and work.
- Wash hands regularly with warm water and soap and reinforce this practice with children.
- When you do cough or sneeze — cough into your elbow, use a tissue and immediately wash your hands.
- Always avoid contact with someone else’s bodily fluid.
Please remember that the best source of information for the public is the Center for Disease Control – CDC. The web link below is to their Ebola page and the information here is updated as new information becomes available.
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/transmission/index.html