Sacramento patient tests negative for Ebola

It was announced today that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested samples from a patient under investigation in Sacramento and reports the test results are negative for Ebola.

The California Department of Public Health has been working in cooperation with the Sacramento County Public Health and the Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center to ensure appropriate CDC protocols were followed in the investigation, testing, diagnosis and treatment of the patient.

“We are pleased with the negative outcome of the Ebola test and wish the patient a speedy recovery,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH Director and state health officer. “The case in Sacramento County demonstrates that the system is working. This patient was quickly identified, appropriate infection control procedures were implemented, and public health authorities were notified.”

CDPH reports there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in California. There have been no patients admitted to California hospitals who are considered to be at high risk of Ebola according to CDC criteria.

If a person travelled to an affected country and develops a fever within three weeks of their return, health managers say they should contact their health care provider and let the provider know of their travel history.

Public Health says the risk of the spread of Ebola in California is low and that any patient suspected of having Ebola can be safely managed in a California hospital following recommended isolation and infection control procedures.

If a case were to be investigated for Ebola local health departments would take charge in consultation with CDPH.

With over 1, 350 Ebola deaths in Africa to date, state and local public health managers in California are monitoring the situation closely and taking steps to keep Californians safe. There are advance medical protocols in place to prevent the spread of this often deadly disease.

Ebola is an infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and abnormal bleeding. It is classified as a viral hemorrhagic fever because of the fever and abnormal bleeding. Among the VHFs, Ebola is feared because of its high mortality. There are no specific treatments but supportive therapy can be provided to address bleeding and other complications.

For more information about Ebola, visit CDPH’s website.