Rhode Island Implements Ebola Symptom-Monitoring System

Rhode Island has implemented a system-monitoring system for Ebola.

The system is for travelers who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the 21 days before arriving in the United States, according to a media release from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

"Areas in all three countries are currently being affected by an outbreak of Ebola disease," the release said.

See also: Cyclist Injured In Collision With Motor Vehicle: Tiverton Police

The system is being set up as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "ongoing partnership with states to prevent Ebola transmission in the United States," Director of Health Dr. Jerry Larkin said in the release.

"To date, no cases of Ebola disease have been confirmed in the United States due to this outbreak," Larkin said. "At this time, the risk to the general public in Rhode Island remains very low."

See also: $5K Reward For Info On Hit-And-Run Driver Who Injured 2 Western Coventry Firefighters

Ebola spreads through contact with the body fluids of an infected sick or dead person, according to the CDC.

"A person is only contagious once they begin showing symptoms of the disease," the CDC said. "You cannot get Ebola from simply being near someone or passing them in public spaces because it doesn't spread through the air."

See also: Loose Seal! Aquarium Releases Rescued Seal On Rhode Island Beach

Travelers from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan are being rerouted to four airports in the United States: Washington-Dulles International Airport in Virginia, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, according to the RIDOH release.

"These passengers are receiving a public health entry screening," the release said. "If a traveler's assessment shows that they may be sick with Ebola, that traveler will be transferred to a hospital for further medical evaluation and isolation. Other travelers are permitted to continue to their destination, with a notification going to public health authorities in that state to ensure that ongoing symptom monitoring occurs."

See also: 2 Providence Firefighters Evaluated For Injuries After Battling Blaze On Carpenter Street

Those continuing on to Rhode Island will "self-monitor for symptoms and report to RIDOH for 21 days," according to the release.

"Additionally, RIDOH clinical staff will assess any travelers once a week for their three-week monitoring periods," the release said. "Symptoms of Ebola include fever, headache, vomiting, severe weakness, abdominal pain, nosebleeds, and vomiting blood."

See also: Former Nurse Guilty Of Sexually Assaulting Elderly Patients At RI Rehab Center: AG