Wall Street Journal – by Will Huntsberry
A man who recently returned from West Africa with symptoms consistent with the Ebola virus is being tested for the disease in New York City, where he was admitted to a hospital early this morning, officials said.
The man presented at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan with a high fever and gastrointestinal problems, officials said. Authorities wouldn’t identify the man or the country he had been to and the reasons for his visit. He is currently undergoing tests to determine the cause of his symptoms.
“The patient has been placed in strict isolation and is undergoing medical screenings to determine the cause of his symptoms,” said Mt. Sinai Hospital spokeswoman Johanna Younghans in a news release. “All necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of all patients, visitors and staff.”
More than 700 people have been killed by Ebola in the West African countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone in recent weeks, according to the World Health Organization. Symptoms include fever, fatigue and diarrhea.
Officials from Mt. Sinai didn’t indicate when the results of the test would be available.
The hospital is coordinating with federal, state and city health officials to monitor the case, the statement said.