Illinois Department of Public Health Statement

CHICAGO – Today, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck announced negative Ebola test results.

“We have promised the public we would let them know if the Illinois Department of Public Health conducted testing for Ebola, and today, we are doing just that,” said Dr. Hasbrouck.

“IDPH performed testing for Ebola, which was negative, of an individual who travelled from Liberia and arrived in Illinois on November 16. The individual was evaluated, was determined to be asymptomatic and low risk at the time, and has been actively monitored for symptoms since that time. On Thursday, November 27, the individual reported having a fever and was transported to a hospital following stringent infection control protocols. In addition to medical evaluation and testing, and after consultation involving the hospital, local health departments, IDPH and CDC, IDPH performed testing for Ebola as a precaution. The test results were negative for Ebola.

“At this time, there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in Illinois and there is no threat to the general public. Travelers from Africa may experience respiratory illness due to malaria or other non-Ebola associated diseases.

“The statewide Ebola Task Force, announced October 22 by Governor Pat Quinn, along with hospitals and local health departments across Illinois will continue to work together to quickly identify a person who could potentially be at risk of Ebola, and take quick action in order to protect the health and safety of all Illinois residents.”

For more information, visit http://www.idph.state.il.us/ebola/index.htm.

To respect and protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information is available.