A Filipino United Nations peacekeeper who served in Ebola-stricken Liberia has tested negative for the Ebola virus, according to the Philippines Department of Health today.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

On Wednesday, 133 Filipino peacekeepers, soldiers, police and a jail officer, returned home after serving the UN Mission in Liberia. Upon arrival, they were taken to Caballo Island for the precautionary 21-day quarantine. It is reported that all serving were screened negative for Ebola by a UN health team.

On Friday, one of the peacekeepers exhibited fever, chills and body malaise, early symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The DOH said the patient was transferred to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to assess the Ebola status

According to a Statement from Acting Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin earlier today, health officials report the patient was Ebola negative; however, they did determine was positive for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most serious form of malaria. The peacekeeper is currently undergoing treatment for the parasitic infection.

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