State of Connecticut Launches Ebola Information Website
Contact: Tom Cooke, Director of Administrative Services
O: (860) 658-3230
For Immediate Release
State of Connecticut Launches Ebola Information Website
SIMSBURY, CT – The State of Connecticut has launched a website designed to provide residents with information about the Ebola virus. The website, which can be found at www.ct.gov/ebola, provides risk information about Ebola virus infection, a map of the West African countries affected by Ebola, and information about actions the state of Connecticut is taking to prevent the spread of the virus should someone in Connecticut become sick with Ebola. The site provides links to additional resources and information from the CDC and other partners.
At the local level, the Farmington Valley Health District, which serves as the Town of Simsbury’s health department, has protocols and procedures in place for responding to infectious diseases including early identification of cases and strategies to control the spread of illness. The Department is working closely with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to ensure that it stays current with the guidance coming out of the Governor’s office and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Health District officials have met with Town of Simsbury Police, Fire and Ambulance personnel to review safety protocols and to ensure that emergency personnel have the equipment and training they need to respond in the event of an Ebola case in Simsbury. Town and Board of Education officials are also being kept informed of the status of the virus.
Jennifer Kertanis, Director of the Health District, stressed that residents are best served by following “important, everyday protections that can keep you and your communities protected from all infectious diseases.” Recommendations include:
- Stay home when you are sick to prevent the spread of your illness to co-workers, teachers and classmates.
- Get a flu shot—the flu kills thousands of people a year and contributes to significant sick time from school and work.
- Wash hands regularly with warm water and soap and reinforce this practice with children.
- When you do cough or sneeze—cough into your elbow, use a tissue and immediately wash your hands.
- Always avoid contact with someone else’s bodily fluids including blood, vomit and urine.
In addition to the state website, residents with questions about Ebola or other infectious diseases should contact the Farmington Valley Health District at 860-352-2333 for the most current information.