DALLAS -- Only after Dallas Deputy Michael Monnig showed up at a CareNow clinic feeling ill and rushed by ambulance to the hospital and isolated overnight did the Texas Department of State Health Services issue an official protocol for what to do in such a case.
The plan sent out to emergency personnel is dated Thursday, Oct. 9, a week after Thomas Duncan's Ebola case was confirmed.
Critics say that response is too slow. Local authorities say it comes in advance of any other confirmed case. So far, none of the 48 people being monitored for Ebola have shown any sign of the disease.
'When a person who's under observation says, 'I'm developing symptoms, I feel feverish,' then they are to call Dallas County Health and Human Services,' said Dr. Christopher Perkins.
Dr. Perkins is the county's official health authority. He said if the patient meets criteria, such as symptoms and risk factors for Ebola, they will be told to stay inside and call 9-1-1.
9-1-1 operators are supposed to be aware now of who is on the watch list and respond by alerting EMS. The protocol also says the county Epidemiologist can arrange transport of the patient if needed.
'What won't happen,' said Dallas county Judge Clay Jenkins, 'Is the people will not get in their own car and get into public and be around other people.
'A specially equipped private ambulance will pick them up with a team in full protocol,' he continued. 'They'll be taken to special rooms that are already prepared and handled under all the guidelines to make sure there's not a spread of the disease.'
Jenkins says Children's Medical Center Dallas is designated for pediatric Ebola patients under the age of 14. Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas will take Ebola patients over 14.
Anyone else who is not considered to have close contact with an Ebola patient showing symptoms will be told to go to their own physician. That's what deputy Monnig was advised to do by Dr. Perkins.
Monnig was considered to be at 'zero risk' according to Dr. Perkins because he had no contact with the Ebola patient. He had been in the sick man's apartment, but days after he was already in the hospital. Monnig had no contact with any contaminated belongings.
Doctors offices and clinics with questions about at-risk criteria are urged to contact the health department, to ensure the proper response.
The protocol includes specific phone screening guidelines for unknown callers to 9-1-1 in the future.
Hospitals receiving a potential patient will be notified as soon as possible to give adequate time for preparation.
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Posted by Unknown on Saturday, October 11, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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