Mississippi Health Department Has Ebola Hotline

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi has opened a 24-hour Ebola hotline for people with questions about the virus.

It’s not a message tree – it’s answered by people. The Mississippi State Department of Health says that if necessary, the those people will direct case-specific calls to health officials.

The state epidemiologist, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, says a case of Ebola in Mississippi is highly unlikely, But he says the department continues to be sure the state is prepared if one occurs.

He says officials realize many people are worried about Ebola, and the hotline should help answer general questions about the disease.

The hotline number is 1-877-222-9358.

Mississippi also has information about the virus and state preparedness on its website at www.HealthyMS.com/Ebola.