Pretoria – The first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the United States has been confirmed.
On 30 September, the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) was informed of the first confirmed case in America.
“The case is an adult with recent travel history to West Africa who developed symptoms compatible with Ebola on 24 September 2014, approximately 4 days after arriving in the United States on 20 September 2014,” WHO said in a statement.
“The patient did not have symptoms when leaving West Africa. The case sought medical care on 26 September 2014 and was admitted into isolation on 28 September 2014 at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.”
According to WHO, the samples were sent for testing to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia and at the Texas state laboratory.
“Results were positive for Ebola virus.”
WHO said identification of close contacts for further daily monitoring for 21 days after exposure is under way.
“Given that the case did not exhibit symptoms of Ebola during the flights from West Africa, contact tracing of people on the same commercial airline flights is not indicated.”
The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with the CDC, the local health department and the hospital to investigate the case and help prevent transmission of the disease.
The hospital has implemented infection control measures to help ensure the safety of patients and staff.
Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease. Early symptoms of Ebola include sudden fever, fatigue and headache. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure.
Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood, secretions or other bodily fluids or exposure to contaminated objects, such as needles. Ebola is not contagious until symptoms appear. – SAnews.gov.za
