FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 15, 2014
Ebola Preparedness in California
During a teleconference this afternoon with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding information on the current status of Ebola preparedness in California the following information was shared by Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH Director and State Health Officer; Dr. Gil Chavez, Deputy Director, State Epidemiologist Center for Infectious Diseases CDPH; and Dr. James Watt, Chief of the Division of Communicable Disease Control CDPH.
1. There are no current suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola in California.
2. The focus in California is on preparedness for how to effectively handle any suspected or confirmed Ebola cases. Preparedness is occurring at all levels, both State and local in close conjunction with the Federal Government and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Education and training is occurring for all California health care workers and first responders as well as hospitals and health care facilities.
3. At this time the Ebola virus does not pose a health care threat for California. The risk is low and the focus is on preparedness.
4. CDPH is watching Texas closely and learning daily from the cases that are occurring there.
On the local level, Mendocino County health officials have the same preparedness focus. Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is working closely on a daily basis with health care providers, health care facilities including local hospitals, our Emergency Medical Services providers and the State CDPH. The County is working to make sure that all health care providers from the front lines to the hospitals are trained, equipped and drilled on all proper CDC guidelines and protocols to ensure safe and efficient handling of any suspected or confirmed Ebola cases that may occur in our county. As with any disaster, preparedness is key, training is paramount and drilling institutes a basis for the best possible outcome in a live situation.
For additional information you may visit the CDPH website at: cdph.ca.gov
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