A patient showing symptoms of Ebola has been admitted to a hospital in Washington, D.C., raising the prospect of a second case of the deadly virus in the United States.
“We can confirm that a patient has been admitted to Howard University Hospital in stable condition, following travel to Nigeria and presenting with symptoms that could be associated with Ebola,” said hospital spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton. “In an abundance of caution, we have activated the appropriate infection control protocols, including isolating the patient. Our medical team continues to evaluate and monitor progress in close collaboration with the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and the Department of Health.”
No additional information was released by the hospital, which cited privacy concerns.
The announcement comes just days after Liberian national Thomas Eric Duncan was admitted to a Dallas hospital and diagnosed with the first case of Ebola domestically since the outbreak in West Africa in recent months.
Obama administration officials insist that a widespread outbreak, similar to that killing more than 3,000 people in West Africa, is unlikely in the United States.
