ST. LOUIS—As the largest Ebola outbreak in history worsens and more U.S. cases are possible, the American Optometric Association (AOA) advises optometrists and optometric staff to turn to online resources for recent protocols and information. With the World Health Organization warning that West Africa can begin seeing 10,000 new cases per week by December along with the news of the first U.S. transmissions infecting two Texas health workers with the deadly disease (as of press time on Friday, Oct. 17, 2014), the Ebola epidemic is predicted to get worse before it gets better.

While officials contend that a widespread Ebola outbreak across the U.S. is unlikely, the AOA stressed greater awareness and preparedness for all health care professionals to address the current Ebola situation. In a statement encouraging eyecare professionals to stay informed about protocols for preventing the spread of this disease, the AOA directed ECPs to online resources and databases available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other agencies.

Beth Kneib, OD, AOA clinical resources group director, recommends that clinicians frequently search and reference the CDC website for important updates and health care messages. The AOA points to the following CDC sites with specific information regarding controlling the spread of infectious disease. For the latest updates and infection control information, the AOA recommends visiting the landing page of the CDC website.

For information about sterilization of vision care instruments, hand washing, and other topics for general patient safety, visit Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization. For Ebola information relevant to clinicians working in U.S. health care settings, click here.

The CDC also suggests that practitioners be wary of patients presenting with common Ebola symptoms, in conjunction with recent travel to West Africa within 21 days of symptom onset.

For additional resources from the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response website, click here or visit www.phe.gov/preparedness.