SACRAMENTO >> While there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working with local health departments and heath care providers to identify patients who have traveled to countries affected by Ebola.
CDPH is directing health providers to follow protocols established by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
There have been no patients admitted to California hospitals who are considered to be at high risk of Ebola according to CDC criteria.
CDPH advises that if a person has traveled to an affected country and develops a fever within three weeks of their return, they should contact their health care provider and let the provider know of their travel history.
The risk of the spread of Ebola in California is low, according to the CDPH and any patient suspected of having Ebola can be safely managed in a California hospital following recommended isolation and infection control procedures. Suspect cases of Ebola will be investigated by local health departments in consultation with CDPH. State and local public health officials in California are monitoring the situation closely and taking steps to keep Californians safe, according to Anita Gore of CDPH. Ebola is an infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and abnormal bleeding. It is classified as a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) because of the fever and abnormal bleeding. Among the VHFs, Ebola is feared because of its high mortality. There are no specific treatments but supportive therapy can be provided to address bleeding and other complications.
For information about Ebola, visit www.cdph.ca.gov.
