Illinois Department of Public Health Reassures Illinoisans After First Ebola Case Confirmed in US

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tuesday confirmed the first Ebola diagnosis in the United States in a patient in a Texas hospital.

Illinois Department of Public Health Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck issued this statement Tuesday afternoon:

"While not easily transmittable, Ebola is a very serious virus. At this time, Ebola does not pose a great health risk to the people of Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health continues to work with the CDC, local health departments, hospitals and medical facilities to be vigilant for Ebola. IDPH has issues guidance to health care facilities and medical professionals on evaluating patients and lab specimen submission. Conducting surveillance for diseases, identifying potential cases, implementing infection control measures and stopping the spread of illness are core public health functions and we stand ready to protect the people of Illinois."

For the most up-to-date information on the Ebola virus from the CDC, click here.