Health officials ready if virus hits W.S.

By Sarah Minkewicz and Colleen Young 
Bengal News Reporters 
                    Though the Ebola virus recently showing up in the U.S, local health officials  are trying to allay fears that the virus could end up on the West Side.

         Although the virus has made its way into the states, health officials are urging people to not be afraid and continue with their daily schedules.

         “People are going to freak out and that’s unavoidable, but what we need to do is educate them,” said Nicole Concroe, physician assistant and director of the Health Center at D’Youville College. 
                    There’s no reason for residents on the West Side, or in the Buffalo area, to be alarmed if that  have not been exposed directly to the Ebola virus, she said.
                     “It’s risky because flu season is starting too, but anyone with a fever that has traveled or has risk factors need to take those proper precautions,” Concroe said. “If you are at risk or have been exposed go get treated or quarantined get treated as soon as possible.”

         According to the World Health Organization, about 5,000 people have died in West Africa from the virus and several other cases have been reported across the World. Four people have been diagnosed in the U.S with the disease; The latest case is a doctor in New York City.

                      The virus is spread from contact with an infected person through bodily fluids, such as sweat, blood, urine or feces. Health officials that take care of infected patients are the most at risk of catching the disease. 

           The state recently designated Erie County Medical Center and Women and Children's Hospital as Ebola treatment centers.

           Officials at Jericho Road Community Health Center  also say that West Side residents shouldn’t be too worried because the local health organizations are continuing to plan for the disease making its way into the community.

           “We have put protocols in place,” said Rohith Saravanan, director  of Clinical Integration and Education at Jericho Road, which caters to refugees and low-income patients. 
 “We have personal protective gear and we are very prepared and we have the experience.”

         Saravanan also said that Jericho Road’s patients aren’t concerned if the disease were to arrive in the community. 

           “It’s not as big of a deal with our patients because they’ve seen other diseases,” Saravanan said. “Our patients have a realistic expectation and know the healthcare here is better then back home for them.”

           Medaille College is also doing its part in preventing the spreading of the virus if it were to ever find its way on campus.            Pamela Barone, LPN at Medaille College Wellness Center, said the college is putting together a protocol for its students. 
         Mame Kebe, a West Side resident and Senegal citizen, said that she still isn’t convinced that the state is doing all that it can to prevent the spread of the disease from reaching the West Side.

           “I feel like we haven't taken the right precaution to do what we have to do,” Kebe said. “For example, the outbreak in New York City. They knew Ebola was happening. They could've taken more than one precaution to prevent that from happening, and they didn't. There was a case that happened in New York, so it's like we're next."

         In order for the West Side to become aware of the facts about the disease, Kebe said she believes government officials need to step up speak to the community.

           “I feel like the representatives, the local leaders, the Mayor, he should make some speeches. Educate us. Let us be aware, we need to be aware,” Kebe said.

           Until that happens Kebe and all other West Side residents will continue to take precaution just in case.

         "I carry hand sanitizers with me every day," Kebe said.