Ebola panic declining but county prepared

EPHRATA - The world-wide panic over Ebola has decreased, Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny told the November meeting of the County Health Board.

However, healthcare facilities are continuing to plan on how to evaluate and treat suspected Ebola cases. This disease can be altered and early diagnosis, aggressive treatment, and those who are young have a good chance to survive it, Brzezny said.

According to Brzezny, it is projected that Washington State will have six to 20 cases. He reiterated that this is not an airborne disease and that infections occur only after a fever presents itself.

"Our public health laboratories are among labs qualified to conduct initial testing for Ebola," Brzezny said.

One quarantine center each have been identified for western Washington and eastern Washington. Seven hospitals have been targeted to treat Ebola patients.

The Health Officer and Board of Health will become involved if there are uncooperative patients who do not follow recommendations.

According to Brzezny, flu cases are sporadic with no current outbreaks. Nationwide, however, the numbers are increasing steadily. There have been cases reported at Washington State University and at a long term care facility.

Brzezny said there are measles cases reported in Hawaii. Brzezny also reminded everyone that Meningococcal vaccine is available. He also reported that two vaccinations of Pneumonia vaccine is recommended for those ages 65 and over.

Todd Phillips, Environmental Health Program facilitator, presented the Board with an Environmental Health Fee Analysis sheet for the time period of January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.

Fees have not increased since 2009. A comparison with five other Health agencies was also provided.

"In order to do good solid public health work, we need to increase our fees," Phillips said. "We are currently using considerable flexible funding to cover the additional costs."

Administrator Jeff Ketchel reported on the Oct. 20 Royal City mass influenza vaccination clinic in Royal City. A total of 330 vaccinations were given in an average of 1.5 minutes. Royal City Hospital District is helped fund the cost of the clinic.

Ketchel provided the Board an article sent to him from Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns regarding an e-cig fire. People were burned due to an e-cigarette exploding and sparking a fire.

Ketchel noted Grant County's teen pregnancy rate is among the highest in Washington State. He passed out a fact sheet that shows how the Health District can provide support to the schools, healthcare providers and the community.