The Centers for Disease Control said hospitals should “think Ebola.” This means be alert for patients who have symptoms of the virus or have recently traveled to an endemic area.
Hospitals in the Valley say they are prepared to deal with Ebola patients. According to Chief Medical Officer at the Maricopa County Integrated Health System Dr. Robert Fromm, the Maricopa County Medical Center has had infectious disease protocols ready to go since September.
“These aren’t really new things. And even though Ebola is a relative newcomer at least in our understanding. We’ve had viral hemorrhagic fevers in other regions of the world and including right here in the United States," said Fromm.
To start, staff will ask patients where they have traveled and are looking for symptoms related to the virus. If a patient is suspected to have been exposed he or she may be isolated and staff will wear protective gear.
