By Kevin Kelleher, MD, Executive Healthcare Services
Currently, both the Centers for Disease Control and the Virginia Dept. of Health do not consider Virginia at risk for Ebola outbreaks. They consider the risk of Ebola spreading in the United States “very low.” Our best weapon at preventing the illness, and the panic about the illness from spreading, is education about the disease. The next important step one could take is to support the efforts in Africa to curb the tide of this disease.
Although news of healthcare workers contracting Ebola despite the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is unfortunate and disconcerting, experts believe improper removal and/or disposal of the PPE is to blame for the contamination of these workers. An immediate effort has been undertaken by most facilities, based on CDC recommendations, to institute retraining in the proper use and removal of PPE. This includes the addition of disinfecting sprays prior to removal, as is done in Ebola treatment centers in Africa.
The below information is summarized from the CDC and VA Dept. of Health websites and includes the most germane information for our clients to know. We are happy to investigate other information if you need.
Ebola is a viral illness spread by direct contact with blood and body fluids of an ill person which then contacts open skin or a mucus membrane such as mouth, noses or eyes. The virus is not in these body fluids until the onset of symptoms, which involves the development of a fever, headache, joint aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and, less often, rash, red eyes, sore throat and bleeding. Bleeding is typically late in the illness. Fluids which then contain the virus include saliva, mucus, vomit, feces, sweat, tears, urine, breast milk, and semen. Ebola can develop from 2 to 21 days post exposure (there is no evidence that Ebola can develop after the 21 days from exposure), although 8-10 days is most common.
Unlike respiratory illnesses like measles or chickenpox, which can be transmitted by virus particles that remain suspended in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with body fluids of a person who has symptoms of Ebola disease. Although coughing and sneezing are not common symptoms of Ebola, if a symptomatic patient with Ebola coughs or sneezes on someone, and saliva or mucus come into contact with that person’s eyes, nose or mouth, these fluids may transmit the disease. The disease is most transmissible in the later stages of the illness when the virus load is highest.
Ebola is killed with common, strong disinfectants (such as household bleach, Clorox, Lysol). Ebola on dried on surfaces such as doorknobs and counter tops can survive for several hours; however, virus in body fluids (such as blood) can survive up to several days at room temperature (when remaining moist). It will not survive in water or sewage systems and dishwashers and washing machines will kill it with normal use.
EHS and our other facilities implemented two weeks ago a screening algorithm for any sick call requesting a visit on site, evaluating the presence of a fever and any at-risk travel to or through Africa. We also discourage any non-essential travel to or through Africa at this time, to reduce your exposure risk, although they haven’t reported any cases of international travelers contracting Ebola during flights or airport stops.
