Elizabeth Flood, RN, BSN, CPEN
The Nebraska Biocontainment Unit at UNMC in Omaha
Why Nebaska?
Began in 2005 with various news stories about SARS and monkey flu. It’s a partnership with UNMC and the state of Nebraska.
The unit is isolated by entrances and elevators. The changing rooms have garments from under wear to scrubs. Air handling is separate. And waste disposal. Linens are the discards from the hospital, dyed blue, and burned after use.
How contagious? And how to isolate?
Ebola is not as contagious as other diseases but is generally deadly.
Ebola is contagious when symptoms are present. And fluids remain contagious after death.
Ebola vaccine is showing promise. The virus has not been as prevalent in Africa.
