“The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) was made aware that two people recently arrived from one of the three Ebola affected countries in West Africa. These individuals were evaluated by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) personnel at John F. Kennedy International Airport at the time of arrival, displayed no symptoms and were allowed to proceed to their home. Following protocols of the CDC and the New York State Department of Health, SCDHS employees will be conducting daily monitoring of those individuals for the 21 day Ebola incubation period.
There are currently no reports of any individual in Suffolk County who has displayed any symptoms of Ebola. Suffolk County will be notified by New York State of patients returning from any of the affected countries, following their onsite evaluation by CDC personnel at JFK, and the appropriate monitoring will be conducted as per protocols.
SCDHS has been working closely with all area hospitals, first responders and support agencies to be prepared to deal with a range of issues which may arise and to protect public health. If any member of the public has questions, please call 854-0333.”
James L. Tomarken, MD
MPH, MBA, MSW
Commissioner
Suffolk County Department of Health Services