Patient Hospitalized in Arizona After Traveling to Sierra Leone
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iStock/Thinkstock(PHOENIX) — Phoenix, Arizona experienced an Ebola scare Friday after someone who recently returned to the United States from Sierra Leone fell ill.
The patient was rushed to a hospital where he underwent an evaluation. Doctors quickly determined the patient is most likely sick with something else.
In a news conference, Dr. Robert Fromm, chief medical officer for Maricopa Integrated Health System, said the patient isn’t showing enough symptoms to worry doctors.
“This patient’s symptoms and presentation aren’t strongly suggestive of Ebola disease,” Dr. Fromm said.
Phoenix Fire Captain Aaron Ernsberger says the patient was handled by a trained unit of first responders in full HAZMAT gear.
“With this being a scenario with his recent travels to Sierra Leone, we upgraded this to a hazardous situation to protect our members, the patient, and the public as well,” Ernsberger said.
Dr. Fromm said the patient could be sent home by the end of the day Friday.
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