Patient Being Monitored For Ebola Cleared, Released From Hospital
DENVER (CBS4)- A patient being monitored for Ebola at Denver Health Medical Center has been cleared after a second test came back negative. That person was released from the hospital late Wednesday.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment laboratory completed a second Ebola test on the patient on Wednesday. The test was negative.
In addition to the two negative tests, the hospital confirmed the patient's symptoms have resolved and that the patient does not have Ebola virus.
Because the patient does not have Ebola, there is no risk of Ebola for individuals who had contact with the patient.
"We are delighted at this good report for this individual and recognize the hard work and effort on behalf of everyone involved in this patient's monitoring and care," said Dr. Larry Wolk, executive director and chief medical officer at the state health department.
Incidents of Ebola still are very rare in the United States, and hospitals work closely with state and local health departments to ensure the safety of patients, health care workers and community members. Ebola cannot be spread through the air; it only is spread through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with Ebola.
Hospitals across Colorado follow strict Centers for Disease Control guidelines for treating patients who may have been exposed to Ebola.