News
Athens Responds to Ebola
By: Kaitlyn Roman
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While the state of Ohio prepares and takes precautions by increasing the state's supply of personal, protective equipment for health care providers, Dr. James Gaskell, Athens City County Health commissioner says people of Athens should not worry.
The state of Ohio became concerned about Ebola this week when Amber Vinson, a Dallas nurse who visited Summit county contracted the disease.
"They really shouldn't be worried. She hasn't visited Athens county, hasn't had contact with anyone in Athens county, and the individuals that she had contact with in Akron will be followed and traced very carefully," said Gaskell.
Many college campuses such as Kent State University, Yale and Louisiana State University Baton Rouge have faced Ebola scares this past week.
Ohio University President Rodrick McDavis sent an email letter to all students Friday evening regarding Ebola and Ohio University. McDavis says in the days ahead, Ohio University will continue to assess their programs and practices in order to prepare for threats that could impact the university community. He says the university will communicate as needed to ensure the well-being and safety of the community.
Kaylee Lang, a junior at OU, is staying informed about the topic.
"I mean obviously it's something that's really worrying, so you don't really want to hear about it, you kind of just want to push it to the side. But I think it's important that you become educated about it, and you understand that it is something that you should know about," said Lang.
Officials want to remind everyone the disease can only be contracted transmitted by sharing bodily fluids of someone showing symptoms.