Southeast Ohioans Should Not Fear an Ebola Outbreak

Concerns of Ebola continue to worry many Ohioans.

The Ohio department of health is activating a 24-hour-a-day call center to answer questions about Ebola and the recent events in Ohio in an effort to ensure residents get accurate, timely information. Dr. Vicki Whitacre from the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department explains that there are different viruses the community should be more concerned with other than Ebola.

"The risk to all of us, particularly in our area here in Southeastern Ohio, is extremely low at this time. You’re more at risk for getting the flu which is coming, or mumps or measles which has been in this area."

Dr. Whitacre explains that there are plenty of ways to help prevent yourself from getting any of these more common viruses.

"Good prevention is what everybody needs to practice. And that’s sneezing into your elbow, trying not to sneeze on other people, washing your hands as frequently as possible, keeping where you’re touching people to a minimum and also keeping it very clean. Try not to be in closed corridors with anybody who you know is sick, so that you don’t spread the viruses that we do have going around that are not Ebola."

For more information or questions on Ebola you can contact the 24-hour call center at 1-866-800-1404. You can also visit the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department’s website at www.zmchd.org.