DOH: Isolated patient in Honolulu does not have Ebola virus

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii State Department of Health said Thursday it had ruled out the possibility that a patient isolated at a Honolulu hospital has the Ebola virus.

The patient, an unidentified man, was admitted to the Queen's Medical Center on Wednesday after experiencing what hospital officials called "possible symptoms that may be consistent with Ebola."

Early Thursday morning, the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said the isolated patient was not tested for Ebola because his symptoms did not match those typically associated with the virus. The State Department of Health followed that sentiment several hours later, when it confirmed that the individual was "no longer under evaluation for possible Ebola infection."

"The hospital acted in the best interests of the community, with an abundance of caution," said Health Director Dr. Linda Rosen. "We commend the facility for being prepared and remaining vigilant regarding the risk of Ebola. After investigation by the health department, it was determined that the individual did not meet the clinical or travel exposure criteria for an Ebola infection."

The determination to test a patient for Ebola is a joint decision made by the patient's healthcare provider, the state Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control, C.D.C. officials said Thursday.

Though Ebola has been ruled out in this particular case, officials say hospitals across the state have been briefed by the Department of Health about standing operating procedures in the event of a possible Ebola situation.

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