DC Health Issues Notice for Ebola Surveillance

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

DC Health Issues Notice for Ebola Surveillance

Oct 25, 2022, 09:38 AM by MSDC Staff

While no Ebola cases are suspected in the U.S., DC Health asks healthcare professionals to watch for symptoms that could indicate the virus entering the U.S. This is common with disease outbreaks around the world.

On October 20, DC Health issued a health notice to DC medical providers on the Sudan virus strain of Ebola (Sudan ebolavirus). Please note there are no active cases of Ebola in the United States.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed cases of Ebola in Uganda. Because of this, the CDC and Department of Homeland Security are routing airline passengers who have been to Uganda in the past 21 days to one of five airports for health entry screenings. One of the five airports is Dulles International.

While there are no cases of Ebola reported, confirmed, or suspected in the U.S., DC Health and the CDC are asking health care professionals - especially those who may be screening patients for disease or be responsible for intake of ill patients - to do the following:

Collect travel history information during clinical evaluations
Report suspected cases to DC Health.

Read more in the DC Health notice that went out to all health facilities and practitioners.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.