Ebola risk is called low for Austin

A panel of medical experts told Public Safety Commissioners that the risk of an Ebola outbreak in Austin remains significantly low. Dr. Philip Wong Hwang, medical director of Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, told commissioners that his agency continues to closely monitor the outbreak and that the department and its health care partners have protocols in place to respond to any potential Austin Ebola case. “The risk of transmission in our community is very low, but I think we are prepared,” he said. Commission Chair Kim Rossmo said commissioners asked for an update to understand the relative risk, response, and any proposed recommendations to deal with the Ebola virus.