Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
September 30, 2014 Melaney Arnold (217) 558-0500
  Shelia Porter (312) 814-3524
     
  www.idph.state.il.us

Illinois Department of Public Health Reassures Illinoisans After First Ebola Case Confirmed in the U.S.

SPRINGFIELD – This afternoon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first Ebola diagnosis in the United States in a patient in a Texas hospital. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck has this statement:

“While not easily transmittable, Ebola is a very serious virus. At this time, Ebola does not pose a great health risk to the people of Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health continues to work with the CDC, local health departments, hospitals and medical facilities to be vigilant for Ebola. IDPH has issued guidance to health care facilities and medical professionals on evaluating patients and lab specimen submission. Conducting surveillance for diseases, identifying potential cases, implementing infection control measures and stopping the spread of illness are core public health functions and we stand ready to protect the people of Illinois.

For the most up to date information on the Ebola virus, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html.


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

 
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