Virginia Western Community College and the Virginia Department of Health hosted a panel of medical and science experts to discuss the Ebola virus on Tuesday, October 28 in Whitman Theater.
Speakers included:
Dr. Molly O’Dell, New River Valley Public Health Director, Virginia Department of Health
Dr. Thomas Kerkering, Chief of Infectious Disease, Carilion Clinic
Bob Mauskapf, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Virginia Department of Health
Lex Gibson, Epidemiologist, Western Region, Virginia Department of Health
Amy White, Biology Program Head, Virginia Western Community College
John Clark, Executive Director, Near Southwest Preparedness Council
Other first responders from the region
Topics included:
- The biology of this Ebola virus
- Route and details of transmission
- Broad public health prevention strategies
- The proper personal protective equipment and its use
- Screening procedures at airports and in communities
- The process if someone is identified who may need testing
- Treatments for infected people
