Local county health agencies take charge of monitoring Ebola

As the state announces steps to quarantine those traveling from Ebola affected countries, local counties are taking charge of monitoring those who may have been exposed.

Santa Cruz County just activated the Department Operations Center for Ebola response and planing. At a meeting Thursday, public health and agency staff made sure everyone was on the same page.

“With Ebola expanding into the U.S. we as a county wanted to coordinate all our efforts for preparedness,” said Dr. Lisa Hernandez, Santa Cruz County Health Officer.

Hernandez is the one who made the call to activate the Department Operations Center. She said the goal is to coordinate a plan for Ebola response.

Emergency Medical Services is doing it’s part, making sure all paramedics are prepared if they find themselves treating a patient who might have been exposed to Ebola.

“The paramedic will question the patient about travel history and whether or not the person is suffering from one of the symptoms of Ebola,” said Celia Barry, with Emergency Medical Services.

If answers are yes to travel history in West Africa along with any of the symptoms associated with the virus, the medic will stop and put on the necessary gear to protect themselves and the ambulance.

“There will be a kit that will be inserted into the rig that will provide a plastic covering for the patient, almost like a tube tent sort of thing,” said Barry.

Once the patient is removed, the plastic like tube will be properly disposed of.

Dr. Hernandez said if an Ebola patient was transferred to Santa Cruz County, right now protecting hospital staff and equipment from the virus is the only way to ensure it doesn’t spread.

“They need to make sure they have their appropriate personal protective equipment, all the staffing, and the areas that they’ve designated for Ebola care to be ready to go,” said Hernandez.

Now that the DOC has been activated, Santa Cruz County health leaders will meet twice a week.