366th Medical Group: Public health preparedness and Ebola Virus Disease

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  • By Staff Reports
  • 366th Medical Group
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  As the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease continues to capture headlines and the hearts of people from West Africa to the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and partners are taking precautions to prevent it from further spreading. The 366th Medical Group is no different. 

The 366th MDG is on alert and has taken steps to protect the base and surrounding community.

Medical Airmen work diligently with local, state, Department of Defense and federal health departments to save lives and safeguard the community from public health threats. The 366th MDG has an infection control plan that includes increased screening of patients for travel history, isolation procedures and patient management plans.

Because of the medical expertise here at MHAFB and skills needed in responding to diseases and other conditions of public health or military significance, the 366th MDG plays a critical role in preparing the base and assisting other local agencies. 

When concerns such as Ebola arise, Medical Group leaders meet with other key players from around the base as part of the Public Health Emergency Working Group. The group reviews and discusses health threat situations and potential local actions needed. 

Also, the 366th Fighter Wing has a Disease Containment Plan to ensure the installation can effectively respond, mitigate and recover from disease outbreaks. As part of this plan, the base commander in coordination with the Public Health Emergency Officer will declare a public health emergency when a health-related issue overwhelms the base's normal capability to respond. Although this is not the case with Ebola at this time, the concern is real and the commitment to the health and well-being of this community is the 366th MDG's primary objective. Therefore, medical professionals on base are continuously engaging on the threat potential and preparing for the worst to protect our community.

Below are links to trusted websites that have the most up-to-date coverage of the Ebola epidemic, as well as other health-related information. The base Public Health Flight can also be contacted at 828-7280.

CDC Ebola Outbreak Site:  http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html

CDC Travel Notices:  http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare:  http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/

Military Health System:  http://www.health.mil/EbolaFAQs

World Health Organization:  http://www.who.int/en/

Operation United Assistance Website:  www.africom.mil/operation-united-assistance