WESTON, Wis. (WSAU) -- Ministry Health Care officials say they're making sure they're prepared in case an ebola patient is identified in Wisconsin.
Infection preventionist Paul Thomas says the entire system is going over and reviewing their training on controlling exposure and using personal protective equipment. "Also included in the body fluids is sweat and saliva, which is a new game for us in infection prevention and control. Previous diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV are just the blood and body fluids, so the bar has been raised that we're extra cautious."
Thomas says the personal protection procedures for caring for an ebola patient require more stringent attention. "Protecting your nose mouth and eyes from transmission, preventing needle sticks with blood, and also worrying about plates, silverware, cups because of the saliva component which is new." Officials are also stocking up on increased supplies of first response personal protective equipment as well as more advanced isolation suits.
There are also added benefits of increased attention and screening of patients. Thomas says because the original symptoms present the same, the increased caution should also help stop the spread of other viral diseases like the flu or enterovirus. "One of the benefits of what we're doing with screening, not necessarily the travel questions but the 'do you have a fever, muscle aches and malaise?', we can begin that isolation too." That screening training is also being extended to other staff inside the hospitals including receptionists and clerks.
Dr. Michael Clark, EMS medical director at Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital in Weston and medical director of Ministry’s system wide Incident Command, says that he's making sure all of the staff across the system are ready. “Hospital leaders across the system will continue to be on alert and take all necessary steps to remain prepared in the event the disease continues to spread in the US including the recent activation of a system wide Incident Command Team to assist with education, training and communications.”
In a statement today, Governor Walker also says that his administration is working to support and provide assistance to hospitals in the event of a case of Ebola as well as other major infectious diseases. He's working with the state national guard to be ready to provide support in a crisis. He's also calling for a federal travel ban from West Africa. "While it is important for flights deemed medically necessary to be able to transport medical professionals to and from affected countries, President Obama should immediately put a ban on commercial travel to and from the affected countries," said Governor Walker. "We must balance our continued efforts to support medical systems and contain and eradicate the virus in West Africa with taking necessary steps to protect American citizens from the virus spreading further within our country."