Wrangell Medical Center staff released information Tuesday that it will be strengthening their preparations for handling infectious diseases on the island.
While the Ebola outbreak in West Africa has brought the subject to the world’s attention, diseases that require similar infection control responses such as measles have been making a resurgence in the United States.
The Center for Disease Control reports nearly 600 cases of measles since January, spread among 22 states including California, Oregon and Washington. Since this is more than twice the incidence of any previous year of the new millennium, the hospital stresses the increase underscores the importance of having a robust infection control response in place.
Wrangell’s infection preventionist, Rosa Mergenthal, has been working with Kim Spink of the Alaska Department of Epidemiology and the WMC medical director, Dr. Robert Urata, to develop and implement a comprehensive outbreak plan.
The plan includes screening tools, personal protection equipment, positive air pressure respirators and training which will incorporate medical center staff, emergency medical technicians and Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department personnel.
The release reports Mergenthal has also recently attended a statewide training addressing antimicrobial stewardship, or how to manage the spread of infection.
While WMC and affiliated emergency services strengthen preparations against infectious diseases, Wrangellites are invited to ensure they and their families are vaccinated against measles and other highly contagious diseases for which immunizations have been developed.
Vaccines for children are available at the Public Health Center, just stop by or call 874-3615.
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