Low-risk patient tested out of an abundance of caution

August 21, 2014 - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has tested the sample from the patient under investigation who is hospitalized in Sacramento and reports the test results are negative for Ebola. CDPH has been working in cooperation with the Sacramento County health department and the Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center to ensure appropriate CDC protocols were followed in the investigation, testing, diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
 
There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in California. There have been no patients admitted to California hospitals who are considered to be at high risk of Ebola according to CDC criteria.
 
“We are pleased with the negative outcome of the Ebola test and wish the patient a speedy recovery,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH Director and state health officer. “The case in Sacramento County demonstrates that the system is working. This patient was quickly identified, appropriate infection control procedures were implemented, and public health authorities were notified.”  
 
If a person has travelled to an affected country and develops a fever within three weeks of their return, they should contact their health care provider and let the provider know of their travel history.
 
The risk of the spread of Ebola in California is low. Any patient suspected of having Ebola can be safely managed in a California hospital following recommended isolation and infection control procedures. Suspect cases of Ebola will be investigated by local health departments in consultation with CDPH.

State and local public health officials in California are monitoring the situation closely and taking steps to keep Californians safe. Our advanced health care system has appropriate protocols in place to prevent the spread of this often deadly disease.

Ebola is an infectious disease caused by the Ebola virus. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and abnormal bleeding. It is classified as a viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) because of the fever and abnormal bleeding. Among the VHFs, Ebola is feared because of its high mortality. There are no specific treatments but supportive therapy can be provided to address bleeding and other complications. 
  
For more information about Ebola, please visit CDPH’s website.