Vic children cleared after Ebola scare
Two young girls have tested negative to Ebola after being admitted to the Royal Children's Hospital this morning with symptoms of the deadly virus.
Victoria's deputy chief health officer Michael Ackland said the girls, aged four and eight, are being treated for a respiratory illness.
Despite being cleared for now, the girls will again be tested in 72 hours to rule out the possibility of having contracted the Ebola virus, something Professor Ackland said was a normal process.
The girls returned home to Melbourne overnight with their parents and another sibling following an extended trip to Guinea.
Other family members remain well.
"Routine screening of returning travellers from Ebola-infected countries in west Africa identified the girls had elevated temperatures," Prof. Ackland said in a statement.
"As a precaution in accordance with universal infection control procedures, they were transported to the Royal Children's Hospital to be assessed for a range of infections - including Ebola virus.
"While this test is negative, we are being extremely cautious and will require a further test in 72 hours to absolutely rule out any possibility of Ebola virus disease, according to the state plan."
The safety of staff and the community is paramount. The RCH is unable to provide further information until the test results are known. 4/4
— RCH Melbourne (@RCHMelbourne) February 25, 2015
Specialist medical staff are caring for the patients, using the procedures and equipment in which they have been trained. 3/4
— RCH Melbourne (@RCHMelbourne) February 25, 2015
The children, aged under 10, are being tested for a range of infectious diseases, including the ebola virus. 2/4
— RCH Melbourne (@RCHMelbourne) February 25, 2015
Two patients have been isolated at the RCH following admission this morning with an infectious disease. 1/4
— RCH Melbourne (@RCHMelbourne) February 25, 2015
In accordance with universal infection control procedures, they were taken to Royal Children's Hospital to be assessed for a range of infections including Ebola.
He says it's unlikely other travellers on the plane from Abu Dhabi or others who had contact with the girls inside the airport will fall unwell.
Worried passengers on Etihad flight EY460 can contact 1800 356 061 and talk to medical staff about the signs and symptoms of Ebola.
Important information about Ebola:
Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.
Ebola is not spread by air or water or mosquito bites, but only by close contact with bodily fluid of an infected patient.
Symptoms of the Ebola virus include: fever, fatigue, malaise, and weakness, reddened eyes, joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea and vomiting.
More than 8900 people have died from Ebola since the outbreak began and over 22,300 cases have been reported. (Statistics from the Red Cross website)
News break – February 26
