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FISHERS, Ind. (AP) — Concerns about Ebola's spread could mean big business for some Indiana companies.
A Fishers company that specializes in protective gear is seeing a big increase in orders, and a Fort Wayne health store has begun selling protective suits to shield people from the deadly disease.
DQE in Fishers, which specializes in hazardous waste and infection control products, has begun selling new coveralls for health workers and other first responders that it says provide more protecting than existing ones. The new outfits seal shut open seams in the fabric, reducing the chances of contamination.
The suits are more than twice the cost of the standard coveralls.
"It's worth every penny of it if it keeps our providers safe," said Carl Rochelle of Indianapolis EMS.
DQE President Tony Baumgartner said orders of the suits have increased 1,000 percent and now comprise about 80 percent of the company's sales. The company has a four-week backlog and is limiting sales to health workers and emergency responders.
"We want to make sure the supply chain stays somewhat protected for the folks who are really on the front lines of health care response," Baumgartner said.
Healthkick Nutrition Centers in Fort Wayne has begun selling protective suits made of tight-fitting plastic that include gloves, goggles and a face mask, WPTA reported.
A large sign in the window of the store proclaims, "We Have Ebola Suits."
Store owner Dan Morris acknowledged that some people will scoff at the idea.
"It seems a little kooky, but at the same time, you know, we're in the "try to be healthy" business, and you know, people have concerns, so we stepped up," Morris said.
The store had sold about three dozen suits by late last week, according to The News-Sentinel. But resident Andrea Lohman said she doesn't think she'll buy one.
"I think it's a very real concern, but I don't feel panicked about it to that degree," she said.
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