With the Ebola virus identified less than three hours away it's only human nature to be somewhat concerned of the possible spread of the infectious disease into our area.

 

Both Nacogdoches hospitals are taking a proactive approach by stepping up training and conducting drills to ID, isolate, test and treat patients that may show signs of Ebola.

 

This includes the use of personal protective equipment to prevent transmission to a healthcare worker or anyone else.

 

Officials with Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital have also placed front-line care carts in the ER lobby and front lobby that contain masks, gloves and antibacterial hand gel to patients and visitors who come to the hospital while experiencing symptoms similar to Ebola, which are indicative of the flu.

 

Memorial staff are also said to be double-gloving.

 

An attempt was made to contact personnel with CHI St. Luke’s in San Augustine, but I never received a response as to what measures they may have in place.

 

Ebola is not believed to be spread through the air or by water or by food. It is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose or mouth) with blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola.

 

There's no evidence that mosquitoes or other insects can transmit the virus.