CHUM lifts isolation of patient evaluated for potential Ebola exposure

Montreal hospital officials lifted the isolation of a patient evaluated for potential Ebola exposure Thursday evening, confirming that emergency protocols will not proceed further. Ellen Caracas, senior media relations advisor for the Montreal hospital centre, provided the update via email, stating that Ebola protocols would not be activated at the University of Montreal Hospital Centre (CHUM), montreal.citynews.ca reported.

Patient Evaluation at CHUM

Earlier in the evening, the facility confirmed that a person potentially infected with the virus was undergoing evaluation inside the hospital. To manage the transfer safely, ambulances were temporarily diverted so staff could move the patient from an incoming vehicle directly into a dedicated isolation room within the emergency department. Caracas explained that these standard facility measures were put in place immediately upon the patient’s arrival before the isolation order was ultimately lifted later that evening.

Quebec Reports No Ebola Cases Despite International Outbreak

An outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus strain of Ebola has remained ongoing since May in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Following that international situation, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. Despite international travel concerns, the Quebec government stated on its website updated Sept. 21 that no cases of Ebola disease have been reported in Quebec or anywhere else in Canada to date. Provincial health officials note that the probability of the virus being introduced into the country by a contagious traveler remains low.

Ebola Symptoms Appear Within 21 Days of Exposure

Medical guidance indicates that symptoms of the virus can appear suddenly anywhere from two to 21 days following exposure. Initial warning signs typically include fever, chills, headache, muscle weakness, fatigue, a sore throat, and a cough.