With recent concerns over the emergence of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the United States, LRGHealthcare would like to assure its communities that they are well prepared in the unlikely event that Ebola should arrive in the Lakes Region.

After the first diagnosis in the United States was made on September 30, many people have become concerned over the potential of an outbreak here, and there has been much confusion over how the virus is contracted. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that the virus is not airborne and can only be transferred when one is exposed to the fluid of someone who’s contracted the virus and is showing symptoms. A suspected case of Ebola would be in one who has traveled to West Africa within one month of the onset of symptoms. Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and abnormal bleeding,

LRGHealthcare’s Infection Control and Prevention Department as well as Emergency Preparedness teams have been working hard at making plans and preparations to ensure that Lakes Region General Hospital, Franklin Regional Hospital, and any of the LRGHealthcare provider practices know what to do to handle a suspected Ebola case.

As part of this planning effort, LRGHealthcare has held weekly meetings to address information and guidance being released by the CDC and the State of New Hampshire Health and Human Services. They have also participated in national and state teleconferences to help prepare for Ebola. And LRGHealthcare will be conducting ongoing trainings for staff to ensure they are staying up-to-date with the most recent protocols put in place to handle the situation.

LRGHealthcare is taking this situation very seriously. We’re taking every precaution we can to be sure we’re prepared not only to treat an infected patient, but also to protect other patients, visitors, and staff.