The New York City patient who was kept in "strict isolation" has tested negative for the Ebola virus.
The man, whose identity has not been revealed, was initially admitted to a Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital on Wednesday, July 30, for treatment as he was suffering from high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. He had traveled to West Africa last month where the Ebola outbreak is wreaking havoc. Since his symptoms were associated with those of Ebola, he was isolated as a precautionary measure.
The patient was shifted to Mount Sinai Medical Center on Monday, Aug. 4 and isolated with "consideration for Ebola virus."
On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the patient was not suffering from Ebola and had tested negative for the virus.
"The patient is in stable condition, is improving, and remains in the care of our physicians and nurses," per the statement from the CDC.
The Ebola outbreak has claimed the lives of over 800 people in West African nations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, since it reared its ugly head in February this year. The Ebola virus spreads via contact with bodily fluids and can be detrimental. It can lead to a hemorrhagic fever that kills nearly 50 to 90 percent of those who are infected.
The situation is so terrible that people in Monrovia, Liberia resorted to dumping bodies of Ebola victims on the streets. Some airlines like British Airways and Emirates have suspended services to the region owing to public health concerns and "deteriorating public health situation."
Several international airlines which have not suspended services to West Africa are also taking precautions and have beefed-up the screening of passengers. Travelers from Africa are being scanned for flu-type symptoms that may be related to Ebola at U.S. airports.
