One of the nursing assistants who treated the late Ebola infected priest, Manuel García Viejo, in late September, has contracted the Ebolavirus making her the first case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) contracted outside Africa.

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

According to an El Mundo report (computer translated), the 44-year-old woman presented symptoms of Ebola at Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón on Sept. 30. Laboratory analysis performed a week later confirmed the presence of Ebolavirus.

The report states that the nursing assistant entered the hospital room of Father Viejo at least twice while he was alive, and once after he passed.

The Spain Ministry of Health (computer translated) says she remains hospitalized in isolation at the La Paz Hospital Carlos III in Madrid.

Health authorities note the woman went on vacation the day after the death of Father Viejo. They are actively looking at at least 30 contacts, including her husband.

Health Minister Ana Mato Androver sent the following message to citizens. “We have professionals superbly trained to deal with such situations and with the technical and organizational capacity to cope with such situations,” she assured.

“You may rest assured that both the ministry and the authorities of the Community of Madrid work collaboratively to ensure patient care and safety for staff and the entire population”, she emphasized. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page