Regarding Ebola: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Marshall County Health Departments are working to protect residents during the current Ebola situation in the United States. While there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in Central Illinois and none in the State of Illinois, plans are in place to address public health and safety. As part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of the community, local public health departments have taken steps to mount a response to an Ebola situation in Central Illinois. The steps include: • Review of plans in place to monitor Ebola cases in communities. • Work with healthcare systems, elected officials, and community partners to assure distribution of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national protocols and procedures for community and emergency responders. • Remain in contact with other local health departments and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to monitor the situation. • Provide information to the public about any confirmed Ebola cases in our communities. While there is no vaccine for Ebola, the public can take general precautions against many infectious diseases. As a reminder to stop the spread of general viruses and illness: • Wash your hands. • Get your seasonal flu shot. • Stay home if you are sick. • Stay informed. The Illinois Ebola hotline for questions from the public is 800-889-3931. Online Ebola information is available on the CDC website at cdc.gov and the IDPH website at idph.state.il.us.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 02:50:07 +0000