What to know about Ebola

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The first U.S. travel-associated case of the 2014 Ebola outbreak was diagnosed in Dallas, Texas Sept. 30. Since then, two other confirmed cases have been reported in the U.S., both involving nurses who were providing direct care for the first case.

Experts worldwide are working diligently to contain the disease, while others concurrently strive toward developing a vaccine and treatments for the disease.

Understandably, there is currently much nationwide concern about Ebola. Rumors have surfaced of a positive Ebola patient in Lubbock, Texas. Upon further investigation the rumors were deemed false.

At this time, the only people who have actually contracted Ebola on U.S. soil have been the two nurses who directly provided care for the man in Dallas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, there have been a confirmed three cases in Dallas, and roughly 116 contacts still undergoing surveillance.

Keep in mind that Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids, such as the saliva, urine and vomit of an infected person. Practicing routine universal precautions, such as avoiding contact with blood or secretions from an infected individual and maintaining hand hygiene, is the best prevention against the spread of Ebola.

The CDC website offers questions and answers regarding Ebola transmission here.

The 27th Special Operations Medical Group will continue to have elevated precautions and situational awareness to better protect patients and staff in the event an infected person presents any immediate threat to members of the Cannon Air Force Base community.

For questions or further information, please contact the 27th Special Operations Medical Group Public Health office at 575-784-4926.