Jacksonville’s Baptist Medical Center initiated federal Ebola protocols on Monday after a patient who reported recent contact with a West African traveler was admitted with flu-like symptoms, according to the Florida Times-Union.
After a full screening, the case turned out to be a false alarm, the Times-Union reports.
Other Florida hospitals are also making sure they’re prepared. Tampa General Hospital already has a protocol in place, including protective suits for staff and special air handling units in designated exam and hospital rooms, The Tampa Tribune reports.
If a patient checks in to Tampa General with Ebola-like symptoms, they will immediately be isolated in one of these designated rooms, The Tribune reports.
The Florida Department of Health has also put a system in place to provide Ebola “readiness kits” to requesting hospitals to supplement their existing supplies, according to a news release. These packages consist of personal protective equipment, disposable patient care supplies, and instructions on how to properly use the equipment safely.
Meanwhile, a Sarasota-based pharmaceutical company announced it is working on a new molecular structure that could effectively treat Ebola and help contain the spread of infectious disease, according to the Miami Herald.
