Dear Howard University Community:

I am writing to inform you that Howard University and Howard University Health Sciences are closely
monitoring Ebola developments worldwide. We continue to plan for the challenges that the disease
presents, and we remain on high alert.

We continue to work closely with officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and the District of Columbia Department of Health. At this time, the District of Columbia does not have
any patients with Ebola. Should we have a patient suspected of having the virus, we are well prepared to
provide quality care in a way that protects our employees and the community.

All front-line healthcare workers at the hospital are receiving training on how to identify and isolate
patients appropriately. We have procured the necessary personal protective equipment. We are
conducting ongoing training on its proper use, and we are regularly reviewing federal updates on how to
handle hazardous material and contaminated equipment.

We have placed informational handouts throughout the hospital asking patients at risk of Ebola exposure
to self identify. Educational training continues in all inpatient and outpatient settings, and a train-the-
trainer program is being implemented. A diligent hand washing regimen is also being promoted and
enforced, and clinicians have responded by hand washing frequently.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/advice-for-colleges-universities-and-students-about-ebola-in-west-
africa

You may ask, what can you do? Here are some tips:
Dont travel to countries in West Africa affected by the Ebola virus, for academic or personal
reasons, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. A list of those countries can be found on the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Wash your hands, often. No personal habit helps prevent the spread of any communicable
disease better than hand washing.
Get a flu shot. Ebola training is a precaution, but the flu is a certainty, and it kills at least 3,000
Americans every year.
We will continue to provide periodic updates as more information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Shelly McDonald-Pinkett, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
BULLETIN TO THE HOWARD UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
Re: HUH Preparations for Ebola Virus Disease
October 21, 2014