While the Ebola virus is still far from the Four Corners, local health care workers are brushing up on the disease.

“Southwest Health System is devoted to our community’s well-being. With three confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States, area health providers are working to educate health care professionals and the public they serve,” said Marc Meyer, a pharmacist and infection control specialist at Southwest Health System.

Meyer said there are key points the public should keep in mind concerning Ebola:

There is no risk of getting Ebola unless direct contact is made with someone infected with the disease.

Ebola is not spread through the air or water or in general, food.

Providers ask patients who have symptoms that may be Ebola whether or not they’ve traveled to affected African countries like Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

“Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez is able to evaluate and initially care for patients with Ebola. Prior infection-prevention programs have been effective in reducing the spread of other kinds of infection. These efforts are being expanded to protect our community against health threats of many kinds,” Meyer said.

According to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, there are other diseases that you are much more likely to get, and you can take steps to protect your health. For example, getting flu shots can protect you from the flu. Washing your hands protects you from many infectious diseases, particularly during respiratory virus season.

There will be an Ebola in-service put on by Meyer on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the County Annex building on North Chestnut in Cortez. An overview of Ebola, transmission, CDC recommendations and the role that Southwest Health System is filling to protect the community will all be covered. There is no charge for this event.

Health workers at Fort Lewis College are also receiving up-to-date training on how to recognize and respond to someone with Ebola.

Mitch Davis, spokesman for Fort Lewis College, said via email that FLC is following recommendations from public health departments.

If someone came to the FLC Health Center and the staff suspected Ebola, the protocol is to isolate the patient and contact EMS immediately, he said. That recommendation came from the San Juan Basin Health Department.

Other steps the college is taking include receiving frequent updates – at least weekly, probably more like daily, Davis said – from the American College Health Association to monitor what other colleges and universities are facing and doing.

The Durango Herald contributed to this report.

More info

If you have any questions about Ebola, please call Meyer of Southwest Health System at 564-2190 or COHELP at 1-877-462-2911.