The Bugs of Summer: Prevent and Treat Bites From Common Bugs in South Jersey

The heat is here—and so are the bugs. Learn how to defend yourself against South Jersey's common biting insects and find out what to do if you need treatment.

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What to Know About the Ebola Outbreak

After an American medical missionary tested positive for Ebola last month, the U.S. government has been screening passengers for the deadly virus at major international airports.   

At press time, the government was also screening American citizens and permanent residents who visited the affected regions—the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan—within 21 days of their return. 

"There is no reason for panic," said Dr. Martin Topiel, Virtua's chief of infection prevention. "At the same time, Virtua is always monitoring the latest developments. That's why we perform 'traveler's screens' on every patient who comes to our emergency rooms, urgent cares, and provider offices—to assess risk of illnesses originating outside our country."

He added, "While we are a world away from the epicenter of this outbreak, preparedness and readiness will always be our stance. Because the situation is evolving quickly, it's important to remain up-to-date with current restrictions and quarantine guidelines."

There are no approved vaccines or drugs available for this rare strain of Ebola, called the Bundibugyo virus, he noted.

The American who tested positive, Dr. Peter Stafford, was treating patients at a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was medically evacuated to Germany for treatment. His case is part of an outbreak that has spread across Central Africa, prompting the World Health Organization to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

In the DRC and Uganda, the number of infected people exceeds 800, surpassing previously reported figures. So there is concern about further spread of this fast-moving epidemic, Dr. Topiel explained.

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