Dallas County monitoring 13 for Ebola

Dallas County health officials announced late last week it is monitoring 4 additional people for Ebola, bringing the total to 13, according to a Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS)  news release.

The travelers departed West Africa on Nov. 18 and arrived in Dallas County the same day. These individuals are considered low risk and their 21-day monitoring period will end on Dec. 8.

DCHHS is currently monitoring 13 individuals for Ebola Virus Disease; however, 2 people with “some risk” will complete the 21-day monitoring period today. Due to medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information. “Everyone we are monitoring remains asymptomatic for Ebola,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “We will continue with our public health follow-up until the 21-day period is complete.”

DCHHS Medical Director/Health Authority Dr. Christopher Perkins reminds the public who is at risk for Ebola Virus Disease.

“I want to emphasize to everyone that they are not at risk of getting Ebola unless they have come in contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects from a person who is sick with Ebola,” Dr. Perkins said. “Individuals with the most
risk include healthcare workers, family members, or others in close contact to a person with symptoms of Ebola.”