© 2024 Milwaukee Public Media is a service of UW-Milwaukee's College of Letters & Science
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Should Wisconsin Be Concerned about the Ebola Outbreak?

NIAD, flickr

The World Health Organization announced yesterday that its researchers believe the Ebola outbreak in Africa could eventually sicken or kill 20,000 people before it is brought under control.  Several thousand people have died in the outbreak in four countries: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.

The gruesome nature of the deaths and the speed with which the outbreak has spread in Africa have led to concerns around the world about both Ebola and the possibility of any sort of pandemic.

In the Milwaukee area, Doctor Angela Tonozzi has gotten her share of questions, including why Wisconsin should be concerned about Ebola. 

"What is very important is that we have an increased level of awareness when there are these communicable diseases about, so that we can prepare," says Dr. Tonozzi. "If we have a patient presenting to us, know what to do to prevent further spread."

Dr. Tonozzi is the system director of infection prevention for Aurora Health Care.  She joined Lake Effect's Mitch Teich by phone from Elm Grove.