A New York City (Brooklyn) resident who recently returned from Mali, the African country that has seen limited Ebola transmission (6 cases), has tested negative for the Ebola virus after being taken to Bellevue Hospital after he exhibited symptoms of nausea, chills, and body aches Thursday.
According a statement yesterday from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
An individual who traveled to the United States from Mali, a country with limited Ebola transmission, was taken to HHC Bellevue Hospital Center today and an Ebola test was performed. The test result is negative. Patient will remain in isolation. Because in early Ebola Virus Disease initial tests may be negative, the patient will have further Ebola tests in the coming days to confirm today’s negative result.
NYC council members, Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. and Laurie A. Cumbo said the following in a joint statement yesterday on Cumbo’s Facebook page:
“We encourage our constituents to maintain their compassionate focus on the well-being of us all. Anyone concerned that they have been exposed to Ebola through travel or other means should call 911 to access a medical response, regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay. Others with questions or concerns may call 311 or our offices to be added to the contact list for future public health related outreach efforts.”
This followed another scare in Brooklyn the day prior when a woman who recently returned from West Africa has died of an apparent heart attack in a Brooklyn hair salon. An Ebola test showed that she was also Ebola negative.
One week ago, Ebola-infected MSF doctor, Craig Spencer, was released from Bellevue Hospital after surviving the disease and being declared Ebola-free.
Related: New York accounts for three of every 10 travel associated chikungunya in the US
For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page
