Suspected Patient at Carolinas Medical Center Tests Negative for Ebola

A man who exhibited symptoms associated with Ebola at Carolinas Medical Center in the southeastern U.S. has tested negative for the virus. According to medical officials, the patient traveled to one of the African countries where the deadly disease is found. Mecklenburg County Health officials said in a press conference that the man had traveled to West Africa and returned to the U.S. April 17.

The symptoms had developed within the past 24 hours, health officials said. The likelihood that the person was infected with Ebola was very low, but they were treating the situation "with all due caution to protect patients, visitors and staff."

The patient had been placed in a special unit that was prepared to treat possible cases of infectious disease. CMC says care was being provided to the patient by a specially trained medical staff.

After the tests came back negative, CMC said, he was being transferred to a regular room for treatment.

"Our collaboration with the county and state health departments and our pre-established infectious disease protocols were followed successfully. Carolinas HealthCare System has prepared our teammates and staff for instances like these, should the need arise. Fortunately, no further action in this matter is necessary," CMC officials said.

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Source-Medindia