CDC Designates 35 US Hospitals as Ebola Treatment Centers

Although there are no current cases of Ebola in the United States, an increased number of hospitals are now equipped to treat patients with the virus. A total of 35 hospitals have been identified and designated with Ebola treatment centers and more are expected in the coming weeks, according to the CDC.

These 35 hospitals supplement the bio containment facilities at Emory University Hospital, Nebraska Medical Center, and the National Institutes of Health.

Hospitals that have Ebola treatment centers are staffed, equipped, and have been assessed to have current capabilities, training, and resources to provide the necessary treatment to care for a person with Ebola while minimizing risk to healthcare workers.

“We continue our efforts to strengthen domestic preparedness and hospital readiness. I am pleased to announce that 35 hospitals have been designated by state health officials as Ebola treatment centers that are prepared, trained, and ready to provide care for a patient with Ebola,” HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a statement.

The designated Ebola treatment centers are strategically placed. More than 80% of people traveling from Ebola-stricken countries live within 200 miles of one of these specially equipped centers.

“As long as Ebola is spreading in West Africa, we must prepare for the possibility of additional cases in the United States,” CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, said. “We are implementing and constantly strengthening multiple levels of protection, including increasing the number of hospitals that have the training and capabilities to manage the complex care of an Ebola patient. These hospitals have worked hard to rigorously assess their capabilities and train their staff.”

To see the full list of Ebola treatment centers, visit the CDC here.