Well-before the first Ebola case was reported here in the U.S. the University at Buffalo began planning for its international students traveling to and from the affected areas in Western Africa. In this Focus on Education report WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says UB'S Student Health Services is keeping a close watch on the situation -- but assures citizens that the risk remains low in America.
"We were able to identify students who were potentially coming from countries in Western Africa," said Susan Snyder, director of Student Health Services at UB. Before the semester began in August, UB prepared for the return of students from Western African countries. But it is a small group.
"We have a small number of students -- I believe we are in the 20's and all of them were from or connected to Nigeria. So we did not have any students from Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone," stated Snyder in a WBFO News interview.
Students who have traveled to areas with Ebola are required to self-monitor for any potential exposure and urged to report any symptoms.
There are some students, faculty and staff the school may not be aware who traveled to areas with Ebola. But UB will continue to reach out to the school community. "To date, we have not identified any staff or faculty that had been recently in that area," noted Snyder.
Snyder reminds the public that the risk at UB and Buffalo remains very low. "Oh it's extremely low -- yes," said Snyder.
