Download UVU Ebola FAQ

UVU Ebola/Infectious Disease Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is UVU concerned about Ebola?
Yes there is concern and UVU EM/RM will monitor the situation as it evolves. This situation has
given UVU the chance to review Infectious Disease Procedures as a whole.
2. What are the symptoms of Ebola?
Fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle pain, unexplained bleeding or
bruising
3. What can faculty do if they are concerned about an ill student?
A student can be referred to the Student Health Center located in the Sorenson Center 221 and
be seen by a medical professional, with costs starting at $10.00. If the student is so ill they
cannot reasonably self-transport call the emergency response team (Paramedics/EMTs) at 801863-5555, they will respond and help with transport. Orem EMS is also dispatched for medical
emergencies.
4. How is UVU planning with the community (health department, hospitals, EMS)?
UVU meets regularly with several community partners to discuss Emergency Management as it
relates to the community. Included in this discussion is any particular incident that shows up on
the radar. There have been several meetings regarding Ebola and a community response
established should Ebola arrive in Utah County.
5. Where can I find out more information about Ebola? Or UVU’s response/plans?
Currently on the website (www.uvu.edu/safety) there is a button “Ebola Information” that leads
to some basic information available.
6. How would an area be cleaned if an ill student left secretions behind? (any infectious disease)
Custodial services have specific guidelines for cleanup of blood borne pathogens, this includes
vomit, feces and other body fluids in addition to blood. They have general training for all
custodial employees and additional training for the full-time custodial staff who would be
responsible for body fluids clean up. If there is a need for custodial services call 801-863-8130,
this is facilities and they can dispatch custodial services to the needed area.
7. How is the disease transmitted?
It is unclear what the natural reservoir for Ebola virus is, researchers believe a human becomes
infected through contact with an infected animal (bats and monkeys).
Once a human has the virus it can be found in blood or body fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, faces,
vomit, breast milk, and semen and others) of the infected person.
The virus is spread to other people through direct contact, meaning the virus enters another
person by way of broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and mouth). The virus can be
located on objects (needles/syringes) as well. The people at the highest risk of getting sick are
those caring for the sick person and coming in contact with infected blood or body fluids.
UVU Ebola/Infectious Disease Frequently Asked Questions
Only mammals have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola.
Ebola is NOT spread through the air or by water, there is no evidence it is spread by mosquitos
or other insects.
8. What are the differences in healthcare in Africa and the U.S.? Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) difference? Traditions Burial?
Africa PPE, in the past outbreaks has been nearly nonexistent, meaning those caring for the sick
were handling infected blood and body fluids without gloves, gown, masks, etc. They reuse
equipment that has touched a sick patient.
Burial practices: not embalmed, which allows the virus to continue to live for several days in its
host. Cultural practices in Africa include a lot of close contact touching of the decedent.
U.S. PPE, has specific regulations for different types of diseases (contact, airborne), all
healthcare workers are trained to use this equipment. Much of what is used is a one-time use
(needles, syringes, etc.) or disposable. We have access to negative pressure rooms as well.
Burial practices: laws regulate embalming and quick burial if not embalmed.
9. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
Isolation: When someone is known to be ill with a contagious disease, they are placed in
isolation, precautions are taken to protect uninfected people.
Quarantine: When someone has been exposed to a contagious disease and it is not yet known
if they have caught the disease, they may be separated from other people who have not been
exposed to the disease.
10. Once you have recovered from Ebola can you still infect people?
People cannot spread the virus once they have recovered from the illness, however the virus
can be found in semen for up to 3 months (Abstinence from sex is recommended/or the use of
condoms recommended) Breast milk. Immunity is thought to last for 10 years maybe longer.
11. How long can Ebola live outside of the body?
Ebola is killed with hospital-grade disinfectants (such as household bleach) Ebola dried on
surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops can survive for several hours; however, virus in
body fluids (such as blood) can survive up to several days at room temperature.