WASHINGTON — A patient with Ebola-like symptoms was transported to Holy Cross Germantown Hospital Monday, but officials say it turns out he does not have the disease.
Nationwide, hospitals are on edge as they double-check the travel records of patients and watch closely for possible Ebola symptoms.
In Monday’s case, the Montgomery County patient had recently traveled to West Africa and had developed flu-like symptoms, including a fever and body aches.
“We put him into a negative pressure room, had all the supplies necessary to meet the guidelines for Ebola patients,” Emergency Room Director Bridget Plummer told Fox5.
The hospital proceeded as if the patient had tested positive.
Plummer told Fox 5 those who dealt with the man wore numerous layers of protection, including shoe covers, special scrubs, goggles, a face mask and a gown that is impermeable to fluid.
After about six hours, relief set in: the tests were negative for Ebola.
“The patient was very concerned because he said he came to this great country and he did not want to afflict anyone,” Plummer said to Fox5.
Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on WTOP Facebook page.
