State Officials – No Need To Panic About Ebola In Louisiana

I get the fact that Ebola is a serious disease and it's taken thousands of lives. I get the fact that if we aren't careful with the way we monitor and attempt to control this virus we could be in a very serious medical crisis. What I don't get is why some people are already choosing to panic rather than learn the facts about Ebola.

Yesterday we learned of the first case of Ebola in the United States. How it got it here made perfect sense. The person infected had been traveling in the part of the world where Ebola is most prevalent. The good news, this individual is being treated in an American hospital in  Dallas and right now it appears as if the threat of the disease spreading is minimal. At least from this persons exposure.

This discovery of Ebola in a neighboring state has prompted Louisiana health officials to calm the fears of the public regarding this disease. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry told the  Louisiana Radio Network.

"There are no cases in Louisiana at this time."

 

He went on to explain that in Louisiana and much of the United States safeguards and infrastructure is set up to quell the spread of infectious diseases. Ebola is spread through close personal contact and body fluid exchange. There are some simple safeguards such as hand washing and wearing gloves that persons concerned about being in contact with the disease can take to prevent its spread.

"So I really don't want people to panic.  I don' want them to worry.  I just want them to get information so they don't panic."

As of right now things in Louisiana and the United States are fine in regards to Ebola. But it's always a good idea to know what you're dealing with before you might have to deal with it. In other words, be informed and that will help you keep yourself and your family safe.