News Release
For immediate release: September 10, 2007
Contacts: 1 Name] 1 Phone]
2 Name] 2 Phone]
[NAME OF HEMORRHAGIC FEVER] Fever Outbreak Confirmed in [ NAME OF AREA ]
[NAME OF CITY OR LOCATION] ¾ The [NAME OF LHJ] has received confirmation the illness affecting the [NAME OF AREA] area is the intentional release of the virus causing [NAME OF HEMORRHAGIC FEVER].
People who were not in the [ NAME OF AREA ] have an extremely low chance of exposure to [NAME OF HEMORRHAGIC FEVER].
People who are experiencing symptoms of [NAME OF HEMORRHAGIC FEVER] should report directly to the hospital. Symptoms are fever, rashes, body aches, headache and fatigue. Severely ill patients may also show signs of shock bleeding and damage to the blood vessels in major organ, including the liver, longs, nervous system and, occasionally, the kidneys.
[NAME OF HEMORRHAGIC FEVER] is contagious and can be passed on to others. Symptoms develop usually within a matter of days up to several weeks after exposure. Avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms.
There is no cure for [NAME OF HEMORRHAGIC FEVER]; patients will receive supportive care only. Protecting the public and working to contain the outbreak continue to be our top priorities. Every effort is being made to meet the medical needs of the community.
Hospitals may be full and we are in the process of setting up alternate care centers. Information on the center locations will be provided as soon as possible.
For more information and updates, access the [LHJ OR DOH AS APPLICABLE] Web site at: [WEB SITE ADDRESS] . We have also opened a toll-free hotline for general information at [PHONE NUMBER].
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NOTE: The next press conference will take place later this afternoon in the [ PLACE, ROOM ]. The time will be announced.