National and international health authorities are working to control a large, ongoing outbreak of the Ebola virus involving areas in West Africa. There are currently no reports of endemic cases of Ebola infection in the United States. There is no vaccine to prevent Ebola infection. Once someone is infected, treatment for the virus involves supportive care.
Despite recent media reports that suggest the contrary, Ebola patients can be safely managed in any acute care hospital if Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended precautions are strictly followed.
The Vanderbilt Department of Infection Prevention is working closely with many key stakeholders across campus to ensure it is prepared to care for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola infection. More details on the recommended infection prevention practices can be found at the department’s main website, mc.vanderbilt.edu/infectioncontrol.
Contact Infection Prevention immediately at 936-0725, or via pager at 835-1205, if you encounter a patient or other individual in which Ebola infection is suspected.
Contact: Department of Infection Prevention, (615) 936-0725