5-year-old boy in New York tested negative for Ebola virus

A 5-year-old boy who recently arrived in the United States from West Africa has tested negative for Ebola after having possible symptoms of the virus Monday, according to New York City health officials.

The New York City Department of Health and the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation released the following joint statement:

"The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted a test for the Ebola virus on a minor patient who had been transferred to HHC Bellevue Hospital Center (Sunday) night. This patient developed a fever this morning while under observation at the hospital, and had been in one of the three Ebola epidemic countries in West Africa within the past 21 days. The result of the test is negative. Out of an abundance of caution, further negative Ebola tests are required on subsequent days to ensure that the patient is cleared. The patient will also be tested for common respiratory viruses. The patient will remain in isolation until all test results have returned. Because of the heightened alert, hospitals will be using enhanced scrutiny and an abundance of caution when reviewing questionable cases, and are meticulously following all public health and CDC protocols. The Health Department is also working closely with HHC leadership, Bellevue's clinical team and the New York State Department of Health. The chances of the average New Yorker contracting Ebola are extremely slim. Ebola is spread by directly touching the bodily fluids of an infected person. You cannot be infected simply by being near someone who has Ebola."

Source: ABC7