FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2014

Contact: Barry Inman, Epidemiologist
Florida Department of Health in Brevard County
(321) 454-7111

HEALTH INFORMATION REGARDING EBOLA, ENTEROVIRUS D-68, AND INFLUENZA

Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Dr. Heidar Heshmati, director, would like to inform the public that we are taking all steps to protect our people against diseases, like Ebola, Enterovirus D-68 and many others. We work with the hospitals, physicians, state Department of Health, and CDC closely monitoring these developments. Currently, there are no outbreaks or confirmed cases of Ebola or Enterovirus D-68 in Brevard County.

Ebola Virus Disease is one of the Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. When infection occurs, symptoms usually begin abruptly. Symptoms typically include high fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and lack of appetite. The health department has disseminated information to all emergency room departments regarding transmission, precautions, algorithm for testing for monitoring of movement for suspect cases. Any patient who meets risk criteria may be considered for testing and will be reported immediately to the health department.

Enterovirus D-68 At the current time, no confirmed cases of Enterovirus D-68 have been reported in Brevard County. This disease is primarily found in children. They may develop complications if children have air-way obstruction issues, such as asthma. The Enterovirus D-68 is transmitted by respiratory droplets, by coughing, sneezing and though hands touching the face. Recommended guidelines for prevention or spreading the disease is to practice good hand washing and stay home if you have respiratory illness.

Influenza – Influenza activity is now occurring in Brevard County. The best way to be protected against the flu is to be vaccinated. Influenza is a serious disease, very contagious to others. Annually 36,000 persons die in the United States form influenza and 250,000 to 500,000 worldwide. The health department recommends get your flu shot, practice good hand washing, and if you are sick, stay home; do not expose others to the flu.

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