Indy Officials Say They're Prepared for Ebola

As public concerns rise over the Ebola virus in the United States, Indianapolis public health and safety officials are assuring residents the city is prepared to deal with the disease. 

The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety has been preparing for potential Ebola infections since the outbreak in West Africa began earlier this year. That’s according to Indianapolis Public Safety Director Troy Riggs.

“Then when we were faced with the reality of two individuals in Dallas, we started looking at what protective measures we needed for our staff," Riggs said. 

He said that responsibility has fallen to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department.

“EMS has been working with our hospitals to make sure that personal protection equipment is nearby, that there are isolation measures in place.”

The Department of Public Safety has taken an ambulance out of service, which will be specifically prepared to transport Ebola patients or patients suspected of having Ebola.

Area hospitals have also issued statements assuring the public they are prepared to deal with any suspected Ebola cases. In a statement, IU Health says it is in close contact with health and government agencies. It also said it is preparing its healthcare teams and facilities by “…preparing areas of the emergency departments and clinic areas to receive, isolate and treat patients who may be carrying the virus.”

Riggs said a way to avoid undue anxiety about the virus is to receive a flu vaccination, because both the Ebola and flu virus exhibit similar initial symptoms.

And, Riggs said, while it’s important to remain vigilant, it’s also important to keep the situation in perspective.

”We’re doing this because that’s what the mayor expects us to do—be proactive; citizens deserve for us to be proactive," he said. "But we still believe that the fear of the disease is much greater than the actual threat of the disease at this time.” 

Riggs also urges residents to seek out reputable information regarding Ebola from trusted sources and not fall for internet scams that might seek to exploit fear surrounding virus.