West Virginia Health Officials Preparing for Ebola

No Ebola cases have emerged in West Virginia, but hospitals, state health officials and residents are preparing for the worst.

West Virginia University’s public affairs office sent an email this week to the entire campus community – more than 35,000 people – explaining protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those include remembering to frequently wash hands and avoiding touching blood or body fluids of sick people.

CDC hospital guidelines for Ebola infection control were updated Aug. 1. Spokesman Tony Gregory of the West Virginia Hospital Association says hospitals are prepared but in the process of improving standards.

State Department of Health and Human Resources spokesman Toby Wagoner says residents need to keep Ebola in perspective.

There have been no reported cases of Ebola in the state.