DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RULES OUT EBOLA CASE AFTER DISEASE INVESTIGATION

News Release from Hawaii DoH October 2, 2014

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has determined that the individual in isolation at a Honolulu hospital who was reported to the department as a possible Ebola case yesterday does not meet the criteria for testing. The individual is no longer under evaluation for possible Ebola infection.

"The hospital acted in the best interests of the community, with an abundance of caution,” said Health Director Dr. Linda Rosen. “We commend the facility for being prepared and remaining vigilant regarding the risk of Ebola. After investigation by the health department, it was determined that the individual did not meet the clinical or travel exposure criteria for an Ebola infection."

With the nation on heightened alert for possible Ebola cases, physicians are reminded to follow the guidelines established by the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information on Ebola infection is available at www.cdc.gov/Ebola.

DOH continues to work with the healthcare community, state, county, and federal officials to prepare for a possible Ebola case.

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Patient in isolation at Queen’s Medical Center, officials say Ebola a possibility

KHON October 1, 2014: The Department of Health has confirmed a patient is currently in isolation and undergoing testing in Honolulu.

The Hawaii Nurses Association said the person is being treated at The Queen’s Medical Center.

Officials told KHON2 Ebola is a possibility, however the patient has yet to be specifically tested for the virus.

“We are early in the investigation of a patient — very, very, early, who we’re investigating that might have Ebola,” said Dr. Melissa Viray, deputy state epidemiologist. “It’s very possible that they do and they have Ebola, I think it’s also more likely that they have another condition that presents with similar symptoms.”

Dr. Viray said the patient could have a number of illnesses including Ebola, flu, malaria and typhoid.

Dr. Viray wouldn’t confirm any details about the patient, symptoms, or if the person had recently traveled to West Africa. But she did say red flags for Ebola include fever and recent travel to that area.

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SA Oct 1, 2014: Isle hospital isolates patient in possible Ebola case

SA Oct 2, 2014: Health Department: Hawaii man does not have Ebola