Man in New York hospital being tested for Ebola
A man, who had recently travelled to a West African country, appeared to be suffering from symptoms similar to those of Ebola in New York .
The patient is at a New York City hospital and was being tested to see if he was infected, said hospital officials.
"In the early morning hours of Monday, August 4, 2014, a male patient with high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms presented at The Mount Sinai Hospital's Emergency Department in New York City," said the hospital statement.
“Odds are it is not Ebola,” said Dr Jeremy Boal, the hospital’s chief medical officer.
Still, the patient was rushed into strict isolation within seven minutes of his arrival at the hospital.
“I want to stress there is absolutely no risk from ... being in the emergency room,” said Dr Boal, noting Ebola is not spread through casual contact.
The hospital also added that the patient has been placed in strict isolation and reminded the public that "all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of all patients, visitors and staff".
At least 887 people have died from Ebola since February, after the virus spread across the West African countries like Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Source: AFP
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