Illinois Department of Public Health Director Announces Plans for an Ebola Hotline

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck today is announcing plans to stand up a hotline later this week to answer questions the public may have about Ebola.

“Although, to date, there have been no persons in Illinois under investigation for suspected Ebola that has warranted testing, we understand there is concern and people have many questions. IDPH will be setting up a hotline to help provide answers to questions the public may have, including who may be infected with Ebola, how is it spread and what can I do to avoid it.

“After this morning's announcement of a second health care worker at a Texas hospital who provided care for the first U.S. Ebola victim preliminarily tested positive for Ebola, I would like to reassure Illinoisans that IDPH continues to work closely with hospitals and local health departments to provide guidance to quickly identify any potential cases of Ebola and contain any possible spread.

“The situation in Texas is being investigated to determine how the transmission of Ebola occurred. Information learned by hospital, state and federal officials will be used to inform our efforts in Illinois to help prevent a similar situation here.

“We will continue to communicate with the public and will report any suspected or confirmed Ebola case in Illinois.”

For the most up to date information on the Ebola virus, visit
http://www.idph.state.il.us/ebola.

IDPH continues to implement its Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 to maximize IDPH's effectiveness, influence and value for promoting wellness, health equity, safety and improved health outcomes. Strategic plan priorities include developing and expanding partnerships; improving data utilization; reducing health disparities; improving regulatory compliance; and branding, marketing and communicating IDPH's value.
http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/StrategicPlan_Final_2014-2018.pdf