(KTNC)--Two patients with Ebola have been treated at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, and officials with the Southeast District Health Department say they are preparing for how to handle the illness.
Health Department Assistant Director Lisa Bloss says they have been in contact with health departments around the state about ebola...and local hospitals are trained in how to quarantine patients and in other protective measures.
While Ebola is grabbing the headlines, Bloss says that is not their primary health concern. She says the chances are very slim that anyone will contract Ebola, as the only people who have contracted it in the United States are healthcare workers who came into direct contact with patients who were being treated for the disease. Those patients contracted the disease in other countries. Bloss says the seasonal flu is a greater health risk than Ebola...and the best way to prevent the spread of flu is to get a flu shot.
The Southeast District Health Department offers immunization clinics for children. Adults wanting a seasonal flu shot can call the department's toll-free number, 877-777-0424, for information on who has vaccines and the cost.
The Southeast District Health Department recommends taking a few simple precautions to stay healthy this winter. That includes staying up to date on immunizations, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting eight hours of sleep per night, exercising daily, washing your hands regularly, buckling your seat belt, and not texting or using other electronic devices while driving.
Bloss says hand-washing kills over 99% of germs, when done correctly. That means using warm water and soap, and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds - about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday."
Bloss says flu hasn't become widespread in southeast Nebraska, but there have been a couple cases of Influenza B reported in Missouri.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Ground Broken for new Sac and Fox Trad'n Post
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
One held for past Atchison shooting
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
LATEST STORIES
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
SE Nebraska March unemployment report
Falls City Career Academy to open during 24-25 school year
Denim Day declared for Nebraska state colleges
RELATED STORIES
February Is American Heart Month
SEDHD Advises Everyone to Get Flu Shot
Falls City Hospital Receives Patient Care Award
Falls City Hospital Encouraging People to Walk at Work
Fewer Cancer Specialists Practicing in Rural Areas
Survey Ranks Nebraska as 11th Healthiest State in Nation
Holt Co. Health Dept. Seeks Standing Orders from New Physician