According to local news sources, a possible case of the Ebola virus disease is now being evaluated at the Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, after a spokesperson for the hospital, Kerry-Ann Hamilton, issued a statement that a patient who is believed to be manifesting Ebola-like symptoms has been admitted into the hospital. The patient's travel history also revealed that the individual has recently traveled to Nigeria, a country in West Africa that is one of the hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak.
In official statement, Hamilton said that, "In an abundance of caution, we have activated the appropriate infection control protocols, including isolating the patient. Our medical team continues to evaluate and monitor progress in close collaboration with the CDC and Department of Health." The patient has been quarantined since and is said to be in stable condition while receiving treatment for the symptoms. The identity of this individual has been held due to patient privacy.
Health officials in the United States have already reassured the American public that they are confident about their ability to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus within the country. The announcement was made right after the first case of the disease was diagnosed in Dallas just a few days ago. In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, authorities are now keeping an eye on about 50 people who they believe could have been exposed to the patient. Dr. David Lakey from the Texas Department of State Health Services said that 10 of these people are considered high-risk subjects.
Meanwhile, and West Africa, the disease has already claimed over 3,300 lives, with more than 6,000 people already believed to be infected with the virus.
