Health and Community Services
November 13, 2014

Focusing on Public Health for Communities and Families

Provincial Government Continues to Strengthen Ebola Preparation Efforts

While the risk of a case of Ebola being introduced in Newfoundland and Labrador remains low, efforts are well underway to strengthen readiness and to ensure strong infection control systems and procedures are in place.

“We have made significant progress in preparing our health system for the unlikely event of a case of Ebola in our province and we remain vigilant. We have trained nearly 2,100 frontline health care workers in the proper use of personal protective equipment and we continue to purchase the required supplies to ensure that our designated sites in St. John’s and regional hospitals are appropriately equipped.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government has also purchased an isopod which is a hi-tech isolation chamber that will allow for the safe medical transport of a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient by air or road. Training on the proper use of the isopod by medical flight team paramedics is ongoing. An image of the isopod is available online with this release.

“There have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in Canada and the risk of a case in Newfoundland and Labrador remains low. However, it is important that we are prepared which is why we continue to monitor the global Ebola situation and take the necessary steps as outlined by the World Health Organization, to implement best practices, facilitate training and ensure the proper equipment is in place.”
- Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador

The Department of Health and Community Services recently launched a new Ebola webpage which provides information on the disease, current risk status, travel advisories, information for health care professionals and advice for those experiencing symptoms. For more details please visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/comm_diseases.html.

The Ebola virus itself does not spread easily from person to person; it is not like the flu. Ebola is spread through contact with body fluids such as blood, saliva or secretions of a person who has the disease or someone who has died from it. Individuals who have recently visited the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, where there are Ebola outbreaks, and are feeling ill, are advised to call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine at 1-888-709-2929 before presenting to a physician’s office or emergency department.

QUICK FACTS

• While the risk of Ebola in Newfoundland and Labrador remains low, efforts are well underway to strengthen readiness and ensure strong infection control systems and procedures are in place.
• Training has been taking place across the province to ensure there is a consistent approach and frontline health care workers have been prepared in the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• The Provincial Government has purchased an isopod which is a hi-tech isolation chamber that will allow for the safe medical transport of a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient by air or road.
• The Ebola virus itself does not spread easily from person to person; it is not like the flu. Ebola is spread by contact with body fluids such as blood, saliva or secretions of a person who is sick with the disease or someone who has died from it.
• Individuals who have recently visited the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, where there are Ebola outbreaks, and are feeling ill, are advised to call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine at 1-888-709-2929 before presenting to a physician’s office or emergency department. For more information visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/comm_diseases.html.

- 30 -

Photo:

Media contact:

2014 11 13                                        12:00 p.m.