Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic wants to keep Ebola patients out of Summit County hospitals

Saturday, October 18, 2014
By Paul Martin

By Adam Ferrise
Cleveland.com
October 18, 2014

AKRON, Ohio — Mayor Don Plusquellic said Friday he wants medical teams on standby to transport any Northeast Ohio residents who show symptoms of Ebola to specialty hospitals out of state.

Plusquellic’s idea is at odds with Summit County Public Health Medical Director Dr. Margo Erme, who got into a heated discussion with Plusquellic on South High Street Friday before a scheduled appearance on CNN. Plusquellic canceled his planned appearance but spoke with the Northeast Ohio Media Group shortly after.

Plusquellic said he reached out to U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan about the plan. Michael Zetts, a spokesman for Ryan, said the congressman fully supports Plusquellic’s plan and is pushing for more assistance in Northeast Ohio.

“CDC changed it’s opinion on what it takes to contract the virus,” Plusquellic told NEOMG. “If the CDC can’t say ‘Here’s what you need to protect yourself, and it’s an absolute,’ then I really don’t want anyone here involved with anyone that has Ebola. I know that’s a crass statement to make, but if we can avoid it and it can go to a place with a better understanding of Ebola, then it’s better off.”

Erme said she believes the 16 Northeast Ohio residents who had contact with Ebola patient Amber Joy Vinson, who spent the weekend in the Akron are, are safe here and that area hospitals are prepared to treat anyone who show symptoms of Ebola.

“What if you fly them to Atlanta and there’s nothing wrong with them?” Erme said. A call to the Summit County Health Department for further comment was not immediately returned.

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