Washington County Hospital and Clinics has announced it is prepared for Ebola. WCHC has prepared for the virus and according to CEO Dennis Hunger, plans, protocols, and appropriate supplies and equipment are in place to care for patients with infectious diseases. And extra measures have been taken to ensure preparedness for Ebola, including increased training and conducting drills. According to a release from WCHC, patients at area health facilities should be prepared to answer whether they have traveled to West Africa or hosted a visitor from that region in the last 21 days. Ebola is not spread through the air, water, or food but is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of a sick person.

At this time in Iowa, 13 travelers are being monitored who visited West Africa in the last 21 days and one person has been quarantined. The quarantine means the person takes their temperature twice daily, at least once with a public health official observing. According to Iowa Department of Public Health there is no risk to public safety at this time and none of the travelers have symptoms consistent with Ebola.