Minnesota hospitals, health officials say they're well-prepared for Ebola

[Star Tribune, October 04, 2014] A patient checked into Unity Hospital’s emergency room with a fever this summer and then said five ominous words: I just returned from Liberia.

The Fridley hospital immediately enacted a public health protocol — isolating the patient, restricting access to caregivers wearing protective garb, and notifying specialists at its parent organization, Allina Health, and the Minnesota Department of Health.

A doctor soon discovered the patient had malaria, not Ebola, but the incident signaled the heightened state of readiness at Minnesota hospitals as they prepare for the deadly virus that has devastated parts of West Africa.

“Everybody is on the watch,” said Dr. Wendy Slattery, medical director of infection control for Allina Health, who said the episode gave her confidence that her hospitals are prepared for a real Ebola case.

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