The Health Services at the University of Massachusetts Boston is offering Ebola advice after Dr. Rick Sacra, a doctor from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, was diagnosed with the virus last month. Dr. Sacra, a Massachusetts physician, is the third American doctor to have contracted the Ebola virus while working at a hospital in Liberia.
Ebola is a well known disease in West African countries, such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia and surrounding urban areas. The virus is transmitted through blood and other body fluids from infected patients. There is no cure for the virus although although different treatments are being tested.
Richard Arnold, Director of Health Services, wants to ensure the UMass Boston community that there is no need to worry about the news, as there has neither been an Ebola outbreak at UMass Boston nor in Massachusetts.
“There is no need to worry. Ebola is not lingering in the air waiting to attack its next victim,” said Arnold. He explained that when someone contracts the Ebola, the incubation period is from two to 21 days. He added that symptoms of Ebola are much like any typical virus symptoms, a sore throat, body ache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
“If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have not traveled to West Africa within the last month, you do not have Ebola,” said Arnold.
According to the Boston Public Health Commission, the likelihood of someone with hemorrhagic fever due to Ebola coming to Massachusetts is very low and potential transmission in the United States is even lower.
Arnold continued to say that the University is well prepared if there was to be an outbreak. “Our staff here in the Health Services have been trained to deal with anyone who may be affected or even if someone who has traveled to the countries that are predominately effected by Ebola within the last month,” said Arnold.
“We also have contacted all staff and students that has recently traveled to or from the area of West Africa.”
The University encourages all students and staff who have visited affected areas in West Africa to contact the Office of Health Services immediately.
Health Service offers advice about Ebola after a UMMS Doctor contracts the virus
September 12, 2014