Watch CBS News

Patient Isolated At UMMC Tests Negative For Ebola

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A patient that was admitted and  isolated at The University of Maryland Medical Center while undergoing tests for Ebola has tested negative for Ebola.

WJZ was first to report the news that a patient was being evaluated in Baltimore Monday evening.

According to the state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, "the patient continues to receive appropriate treatment."

Christie Ileto had the latest Monday's development from Baltimore's health commissioner.

Just hours after the state unveiled its tougher plan to prevent the spread of Ebola in Maryland, a top city health leader says they're monitoring a potential case at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

"These actions are preventive in nature and intended to safeguard public for risk," said Dr. Jacquelyn Duval Harvey.

WJZ obtained the memo Monday night confirming the hospital "accepted the transport by Department of Health and Mental Hygiene of a potential Ebola patient for further assessment...and they are appropriately isolated and receiving care."

UMMC is one of three area hospitals designated for treatment.

"Ebola is life-threatening," said Harvey.

Dr. Jacquelyn Duval Harvey is with the Baltimore City Health Department and says the patient flew internationally before landing at an area airport.

"If there is any potential for risk, it's important that we stop it before we spread the disease. Part of that is what public health calls containment," she said.

In a letter sent to hospital employees, that patient will be isolated in a room at the emergency department.

"Maryland will be directly monitoring the health of all travelers from affected countries," said Governor Martin O'Malley.

This comes as the state intensifies their monitoring of people traveling from West Africa to the US, asking those who have had close contact with the virus to self-quarantine in their homes for 21 days, take their temperatures at least four times a day and regularly update state health care workers about their condition.

"What we are predicting is that there's been a slow uptick in terms of the number of people being monitored," Harvey said.

Meaning Monday's transport won't be the last patient monitored for Ebola in Maryland.

Staff will continue monitoring the patient, but right now, there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Maryland.

Check in with WJZ for complete coverage of the concerns over Ebola and that patient's condition and diagnosis.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.