The recent Ebola outbreak has the American public as well as healthcare professionals concerned about what can be done to keep citizens from contracting this virus. Recently, two healthcare professionals in Dallas tested positive for Ebola. Healthcare organizations must look for ways to contain the disease and mitigate its debilitating effects.

The nation’s top public health official, Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), says that “every infection is unacceptable” and that the government is “rethinking the way we address infection control.” There are several precautions that healthcare providers can take to minimize the chances of spreading Ebola and public health officials are revising guidelines to better prepare healthcare organizations. Sean G. Kaufman, who oversaw infection control at Emory University Hospital while it treated Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, the first two American Ebola patients, called the earlier CDC guidelines “absolutely irresponsible and dead wrong.”

Many are concerned about the spread of this infection and claim that federal sources are not adequately controlling the Ebola outbreak. It is crucial that hospitals and healthcare professionals solidify their procedures for dealing with contagions. Staff should be properly trained about what steps they can take to protect themselves and others, especially when it comes to taking off the protective gear.

Below are some articles you may find helpful if you’re a healthcare organization trying to deal with this crisis/outbreak:

For breaking news and updates on Ebola, we recommend checking the CDC website, the CDC Twitter page (@CDCgov), and the CBS Ebola-watch webpage.

Do you think Ebola will infect a lot of the American population? Why or why not? Leave a comment below.

What do you think are the best ways healthcare organizations and health systems can prepare?

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