Ebola in NC : Duke Hospital patient tests negative

A patient being monitored at Duke University Hospital tested negative Monday for the Ebola virus, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

In a release from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, it was stated that health officials are working with Durham and Person County Health Departments and Duke University to monitor a symptomatic patient.

On October 31, the patient departed Liberia and arrived in the United States through the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The patient showed no symptoms of Ebola upon landing in the United States. On November 1st, the individual arrived in Person County. On November 2nd, the patient reported a fever and was admitted to Duke University Hospital for evaluation and Ebola testing.

The individual said that they had “no known exposure to Ebola while in Liberia”.

While the North Carolina Health Department (NC DHHS) said “the patient’s fever could indicate other illnesses,” Governor McCrory and the State Emergency Response Team are ready to respond if needed.

The NC DHHS and Secretary Aldona Wos have been in communication with the CDC to“ensure that all appropriate protocols are being followed to protect the health and safety of North Carolinians”.

The patient is in a contained, isolated and secured unit at Duke University Hospital until test results become available. NC DHHS stated that Duke University Hospital in Durham is “prepared and equipped for the evaluation, isolation, and treatment of suspected Ebola patients”.

The NC DHHS wants to remind the public that, “Ebola is only contagious after the onset of symptoms. Ebola is not spread through the air, water or food – or simply by being near an infected person. Ebola is only spread through unprotected contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person who has symptoms, or with objects like needles that have been contaminated with the virus”.

Agencies/Canadajournal