Patient in Belleville tests negative for Ebola

Lab tests have confirmed that a patient  at QHC Belleville General Hospital does not have the Ebola virus.

The patient had recently returned from West Africa and arrived in the hospital emergency room early Monday with some symptoms common with the Ebola virus. Samples were tested by the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg and results came back clear late Tuesday.

“We knew this was a low risk case and were expecting these results,” said Dr. Dick Zoutman, Quinte Health Care Chief of Staff. “Even so, this shows our surveillance and infection control practices are working. I am extremely pleased with the response of all the health professionals involved with this case.”  Zoutman said the patient was immediately identified as being at risk and was placed in appropriate isolation within about four minutes from the time he arrived at the hospital.

The patient is recovering and will soon be discharged from the hospital. QHC has stated that out of respect for patient privacy, no other information is being provided about the patient or his medical condition.