Michigan Health Officials Monitoring 10 People For Possible Ebola Exposure

LANSING (WWJ) – Health officials in Michigan are now monitoring 10 people for possible exposure to the deadly Ebola virus, but none are showing symptoms, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Smith told WWJ Newsradio 950 Wednesday that all 10 of these people are “low risk,” haven had no known exposure, and are not showing any symptoms.

They are only being monitored at this point “as a precaution,” Smith said.

Smith said the 10 people had visited Africa, and the health department was made aware of their travel history by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control at the airport.

“This is really as a precaution, to make sure that our public health officials are ready to respond quickly…if the situation should change,” she told WWJ’s Zahra Huber.

The 10 people are being actively monitored for a 21 day period, according to Smith.

What does that involve?

“Twice daily contact with health officials, just to make sure that there are no symptoms that would be indicative of Ebola,” Smith said.

With Ebola topping news reports nationwide, health officials say it’s understandable that people are concerned. But, according to the CDC, Ebola is spread by contact with infected blood or other body fluids only — and is not an airborne virus.

The CDC says those at highest risk are healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients. Symptoms of Ebola include fever, severe headache, muscle plant, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding.

**Do you have concerns about Ebola, the flu, MRSA, Whooping Cough, or Enterovirus? Get the facts when you tune to WWJ Newsradio 950 for a special “Your Eye On Health: Virus 911″ broadcast tonight.**

WWJ health reporter Dr. Deanna Lites will moderate a round-table discussion with a panel of health experts to give you the information you need to know. How can you protect yourself and your family? What can you and your kids do to cut the risk of infection in school? Nervous about travelling over the holidays? Afraid of crowds and germs? Arm yourself with information.

Leave your questions below and they may be answered on the air, tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. on WWJ.

MORE: WWJ News Special “Your Eye On Health: Virus 911″ broadcast, 10/29/14
Local ‘Preppers’ Stock Up For Improbable U.S. Ebola Crisis

Get complete information about Ebola from the CDC at this link.