GNYHA provides periodic infectious disease updates to members. Please see below for updates and alerts on Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and measles.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Health Advisory #21: International travel-related disease preparedness update
This health alert updates health care providers on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and provides information on MERS in anticipation of travelers returning from the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. While the current risk of Ebola for New York City and the United States is low, and there are no reported cases of MERS in the City, the alert reminds providers to take a thorough travel history, particularly from patients presenting with acute febrile illness and/or acute respiratory illness. Hospitals are also reminded to ensure compliance with the New York State Health Commissioner’s Orders on Ebola. Providers are encouraged to contact DOHMH’s Provider Access Line (866-692-3641) to report suspected cases. Current information about the DRC outbreak and Ebola Virus Disease is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Released August 12, 2019
New York Times: A Cure for Ebola? Two New Treatments Prove Highly Effective in Congo
An August 12 New York Times article reports that scientists have developed two experimental treatments for Ebola Virus Disease. Both show tremendous efficacy, thus far curing 90% of individuals treated.
New York State Department of Health (DOH) Health Advisory: Measles Exposures in New York State
DOH reports that there are five cases of measles among the Mennonite community of Wyoming County. The source is unknown since the index case has not traveled outside of the county. DOH encourages providers to remain alert and suspect measles for anyone who presents with fever and rash. Health care providers should also offer the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to anyone who is eligible. More information on DOH’s recommendations can be found on its website. Additionally, GNYHA hosts resources, including hospital resources related to visitor education, screening algorithms for hospital and ambulatory sites, and process workflows.
Released August 8, 2019
GNYHA will continue to provide members with infectious disease updates and resources.