How the U.S. can prepare for Ebola cases and improve public health's response to the outbreak will be discussed Monday during a one-day public workshop in Washington.
Researchers and clinicians will gather at the workshop that is being convened by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council at the request of HHS. “It's focused on what we know but also what we need to know with regard to Ebola and protection of healthcare workers,” said Dr. Lynn Goldman, chair of the workshop committee and dean of George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Also, the committee is expected to discuss research priorities to better understand virus transmission, how to mitigate health risks and the best ways to prevent the spread of infections, including how personal protective equipment is used and what personal protective behaviors are most useful.
The potential transmission of Ebola within non-healthcare settings—such as during travel, in schools and the workplace—will be discussed. “There's concern, but there hasn't been evidence,” Goldman said.
A document based on the presentations and discussion will be published. There are no plans to release recommendations. Attendance at the workshop is full, but the event will be webcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET.
