Friday News Rundown (10-24-2014)

By Nestor Vazquez
News Web Editor

Due to recent Ebola cases in Texas, it’s no surprise that many people are growing fearful of infection. Texas State Student Health Center and all emergency departments in the area are taking critical steps to prepare themselves for the possibility of the virus reaching Hays County. Student Health Center Director Emilio Carranco explained how Ebola has the potential to be a worldwide threat, but people need to take the time to learn about the virus.

“It is usually only transmitted when someone is symptomatic,” said Smith. “Unless you are exposed to someone that is symptomatic and infected with the virus you’re not likely to contract the virus.”

Carranco emphasized that Ebola’s a difficult virus to transmit unless there is close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids , which makes it unlikely to spread easily. Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator Kahrley Smith said all Hays County emergency departments have infection control protocols already in place and Ebola falls into those protocols.

“We were prepared and still are prepared for any infectious control concerns,” Smith said.

Smith also pointed out that emergency departments have met to review the Ebola infection protocol to be sure that everyone is well versed.

The annual Texas State Student Government Round Table event will take place from 5-6 p.m. Monday in the LBJ Ballroom. The round table is an event hosted by the university’s Student Government, which will feature members from important services across campus, including President Denise Trauth, Provost Gene Bourgeois, Chartwell management and many more. The event is open to the public.

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte will host a small rally in San Marcos at 2 p.m. today at Embassy Suites in San Marcos as part of her Vote Leticia Tour. The rally hopes to encourage early voting. After the rally, Van de Putte will head to Lockhart to stop at Kreuz Market Inc. She’s set to visit more than 30 cities and travel more than 6,000 miles in 14 days. The Vote Leticia Tour officially kicked off in San Antonio on Wednesday and will end in San Antonio on election night, Nov. 4.

The second annual OktoberFest will be held from 5-10 p.m. today at the San Marcos Activity Center. Authentic German food will be served buffet style and Third Generation will provide music.

The City of San Marcos will be hosting a free workshop from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday at the San Marcos Activity Center. This free training will provide information about disability rights and issues. Since federal law requires that rental housing provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, this workshop will discuss how these accommodations can be made. This  workshop is free and open to the public.