NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- A patient now isolated in a New York hospital has tested positive for Ebola, becoming the city's first diagnosed case, officials announced Thursday night.
Tests at Bellevue Hospital came back positive for Craig Spencer, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio told a news conference.
De Blasio urged New Yorkers not to panic, and re-emphasized that Ebola is only transmitted through bodily fluids.
"We want to state at the outset: There is no reason for New Yorkers to be alarmed," de Blasio said.
The patient reportedly worked in Guinea with Doctors Without Borders. He presented a fever and gastrointestinal symptoms and was rushed to Bellevue Hospital Center on Thursday.
As a further precaution, a team of disease detectives have begun to trace all of the patient's contacts to identify anyone who may be at potential risk, said the Health Department of the city.
It said its staff has established protocols to identify, notify, and, if necessary, quarantine any contacts of Ebola cases.
"The chances of the average New Yorker contracting Ebola are extremely slim," said the Health Department. "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."
In the New York City region, hospitals and emergency workers have been on alert for the appearance of the virus for months.
The city's Health and Hospitals Corporation, which runs 11 public hospitals, has increased training of staff and has also been running drills to ensure that they are ready to react to suspected Ebola cases.
Related:
New York City doctor being tested for Ebola after returning from West Africa
NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- A doctor who showed potential symptoms on his return from a recent trip to an Ebola-affected West African nation is being tested for the virus at a New York City hospital, health officials said Thursday.
The doctor, who was identified by local media reports as 33- year-old Craig Spencer, developed fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said in a statement. Full story
U.S military anti-Ebola team begins training
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- A 30-member military team that could be called on to respond to new cases of Ebola in the United States has begun a week of specialized training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, a Pentagon spokesman said on Wednesday.
The training will include infection control and how to use the type of personal protective gear needed to respond to Ebola cases, Steve Warren told reporters at a Pentagon press conference. Full story
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