October 17

Nurses Union Says RI Not Prepared for Ebola

The United Nurses and Allied Professionals are concerned that Rhode Island is not prepared to deal with a possible Ebola outbreak.

The UNAP will announce will announce the results of an internal survey of members meant to gauge Rhode Island’s Ebola Virus response capabilities on Monday, according to union president Linda McDonald, RN.

“As the voice of frontline caregivers, we remain very concerned about Rhode Island’s level of preparedness to respond to the Ebola virus,” McDonald said.

“While political leaders are assuring the public that our state is ready, those of us who work in Emergency Rooms and at hospital bedsides are beginning to tell a very different story. Our members are raising serious concerns about a lack of training, uniform protocol and access to appropriate protective equipment for health care professionals,” McDonald said.

July 31

Ebola Outbreak: How Prepared is Rhode Island?

On this date, over 700 recent Ebola-related deaths in West Africa had been confirmed, making it the deadliest outbreak in the history of the disease. 

Listen to the News Radio 920 report here. 

August 1

Are RI Hospitals Ready for an Ebola Outbreak?

Rhode Island Hospital and South County Hospital begins to take the threat of Ebola seriously and implements proper protocol for dealing with patients exhibiting Ebola-like symptoms. 

August 2

Dr. Kent Brantly Arrives in the US

The first confirmed case of Ebola in the US, Dr. Kent Brantly, arrives at Emory University Hospital for experimental treatment after contracting the virus in Liberia.  

Read more.

August 4

Nancy Writebol Arrives in the US

The second Ebola victim arrives at Emory University Hospital for experimental Zmapp treatment. Writebol contracted the virus in Liberia while working for the charity Samaritan’s Purse.

Read more.

August 15

Director of Health Warns of Ebola Threat in Rhode Island

Dr. Michael Fine, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), said that the possibility of Ebola coming to Rhode Island is "very real," but says he believes that Rhode Island is well-prepared -- and that his major concerns right now are for the outbreak West Africa. 

Photo: CDC

September 9

Dr. Richard Sacra, Central Massachusetts Doctor Arrives in the US

The third American to be infected with Ebola arrives at University of Nebraska Medical Center to receive a blood plasma infusion.

Read more. 

Photo: University of Massachusetts Medical School

September 25

Central MA Doctor Successfully Treated for Ebola Hospitalized

Central Massachusetts doctor Richard Sacra – who was successfully treated for Ebola in Nebraska – is back in the hospital with what appears to be a respiratory infection. 

October 3

Providence Resident is 4th American with Ebola

The fourth American to contract the Ebola virus is a Providence resident - Ashoka Mukpo. 

Photo source: Facebook

October 3

Ebola Infected Rhode Islander to be Treated in Nebraska

Providence resident Ashoka Mukpo, the fourth American to contract the Ebola virus will be treated in Nebraska, according to Rhode Island Department of Health's Chief Officer of Health Promotion Christina Batastini.

"Mukpo will not be treated at a Rhode Island hospital. He is being flown to University of Nebraska Medical Center,"said Batastini. 

October 11

Ebola Concerns: Central MA Nurses Demand Higher Standards

Nina Pham, from Texas Presbyterian Hospital, is the first nurse to be diagnosed with Ebola sparking the need to take further precautions among healthcare professionals everywhere.  

October 13

Ebola Update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided an Ebola update to media on Monday, focusing on the latest case in Dallas, Texas. 

Confirming the first case of Ebola contracted in America by a nurse caring for the "Dallas index patient" at Texas Presbyterian Hospital tested positive for Ebola, CDC Director Dr. Thomas Friedan said the nurse is "being cared for and is clinically stable," and referred any other questions on the patient's safety to the hospital. 

October 14

Five Removed from Flight in Logan

Five passengers have been removed from a flight from Dubai by Emergency Response personel according to Tweets from passengers on the plane now grounded at Logan. None of the passengers had been to West Africa, but Massport will continue to be vigilant in disease prevention and screening. 

October 15

Second Confirmed Case of Ebola Infection Originating in America

The CDC has confirmed that another employee of the Texas Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas has contracted the Ebola virus, making this the second confirmed case originating in the US.