Houston launches Ebola dashboard ahead of World Cup
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Houston. Photo: Ronaldo Scemidt/AFP via Getty Images
Harris County and the city of Houston's health departments have launched an Ebola dashboard ahead of the World Cup.
Why it matters: Officials say there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Harris County and the public risk remains low, but the dashboard is meant to keep residents informed as international visitors arrive.
How it works: The dashboard includes the number of travelers who are under monitoring and confirmed cases, along with symptom information and guidance for residents and health care providers.
- It'll be updated on Wednesdays.
Context: George Bush Intercontinental Airport is one of the few airports designated to screen travelers arriving from Ebola-affected regions, and Houston is hosting the Congo national team for the World Cup.
The latest: 17 travelers have been monitored, and there are zero confirmed cases.
What they're saying: "Its purpose is to provide timely, shared access to information and situational awareness for our community and partners, but it does not indicate that Ebola is a public health threat," said Theresa Tran, Houston Health Department director, in a statement.
- "Our public health system remains vigilant and stands ready to respond swiftly and effectively to any disease threats."
At a media briefing last week, Tran said the Congo team is "not any more of a public health threat than you or I at this time, because they have been outside of the DRC area of concern, where the Ebola outbreak has been."
- The team has been in Spain and France for warm-up matches.
Worth noting: Ebola is not spread through casual contact. It requires direct contact with bodily fluids from a symptomatic person.