Minnesota health officials prepared for Ebola

Published 9:49 am Thursday, October 2, 2014

MINNEAPOLIS — State health officials say there’s no indication that a man who was diagnosed with Ebola in Texas had contact with anyone in Minnesota.

Kris Ehresmann is the infectious disease director for the Minnesota Department of Health. She said the state has not been notified of any contact between Thomas Eric Duncan and Minnesota residents.

But Ehresmann said Duncan’s case gives health officials a chance to review and refine response plans in the event someone contracts Ebola in Minnesota. She said Ebola could turn up here, but she says the health system is prepared to respond if necessary.

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She also said the virus is not easily transmitted and is not spread through the air. Ebola is spread only through direct contact with blood or bodily fluid of an infected person.