MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) -Methodist University Hospital officials confirm that the patient in isolation tested negative for Ebola.
Officials with Methodist University Hospital say they used an abundance of caution on Sunday. The patient's blood tested negative, but it was a real life test of preparedness and isolation of Ebola.
It all began when patient was taken to Methodist South in Whitehaven in a private vehicle and showed Ebola-like symptoms.
"From the moment that the patient did arrive, the hospital contacted the Shelby County Health Department and our epidemiologist started their contact investigation and looking at the travel history," said Shelby County Health Department Public Information Officer Elizabeth Hart.
The patient was transported to Methodist University Hospital, placed isolation, and tested for Ebola.
Hart added, "We've been doing drills all year long in the emergency preparedness division and we've been preparing for something of this nature and of this magnitude and we have certainly been practicing those drills."
A strict staff of trained doctors and nurses cared for the patient in isolation. Hart says the situation was handled exactly how they've drilled and that the public was at a very low risk.
"The staff that are treating the patient here at Methodist hospital are following all protocols and that includes using the PPE: the personal protective equipment," said Hart. "We receive calls on a daily basis from people who think they might have Ebola. They have some of the symptoms."
This is the first time a Memphis patient has been isolated in Memphis, but Hart could not say if it had anything to do with the patient's travel history.
"We certainly feel like this has been successful so far with the communication from the hospital and Shelby County Health Department, and of course making sure that those samples got to TN Department of Health in Nashville," noted Hart.
Doctors and nurses will continue to monitor and care for the patient. They say they feel better prepared following today's incident and that moving forward, they'll continue to follow the leadership and guidance from the health department.
MUH corporate communications specialist Mary Alice Taylor released the following statement via email:
"The state health department just alerted us that the test result was negative for ebola for the patient at Methodist University Hospital. We will continue to monitor and care for the patient. We proceeded with an abundance of caution today, and this experience makes our staff even better prepared should we face a case in the future. We are all pleased with the outcome, and believe we are now even better prepared going forward. We're grateful for the leadership and guidance from our local and state health departments."
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