A woman who triggered an Ebola scare at St George’s Hospital in Tooting has tested negative for the virus.
The patient, who has a history of travel in west Africa, arrived at St George’s Hospital last night suffering from a ‘haemorrhagic fever’.
She underwent a series of tests which proved negative and will stay at the hospital for treatment.
A St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust spokesman said: “An unwell patient who had recently travelled to West Africa was admitted to St George’s Hospital yesterday.
“In line with national guidance the patient was moved to our clinical infections unit and underwent a series of tests, as a precaution one of which was for Ebola.
“The outcome of the Ebola test result is negative.
“We can confirm that the patient will remain at St George’s Hospital.
“All appropriate actions have been taken by our staff to protect the public and the patient.”
The scare comes days after after the Royal College of General Practicioners (RCGP) issued ‘common sense’ guides for GPs to help tackle the disease.
RCGP Chair Dr Maureen Baker said: “The threat of Ebola to the UK remains low but GPs and practice staff are on the front line of dealing with contagious diseases and they need to be fully aware of what steps to take in order to protect patients and themselves, should an incident or potential incident arise.”
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