CDC inspecting boat for possible Ebola case

Robby999 · September 20, 2014

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirm a foreign ship with sick passengers could possibly have a case of Ebola on board.

The ship has docked in New Orleans and everyone on board was taken to the hospital.
The vessel came from Africa.
The patients were escorted by federal and state health officials.

A CDC spokesman says it is unlikely that anyone on board came in contact with the Ebola virus.

The CDC released the following statement Wednesday afternoon:

"CDC received word early this morning about a ship that would be arriving at the New Orleans port with an ill passenger on board. US Coast Guard and EMS crews met the boat and EMS will be transporting the ill crew member to a local hospital for evaluation and care. The vessel's itinerary did include Matadi, DRC, in addition to other ports, but there is no evidence to suggest that the crew members traveled to, or had any contact with anyone from the remote inland region of DRC where Ebola cases are occurring. Given this, the chance that the crew member could have Ebola is thought to be exceedingly low. A CDC staff member who had been in New Orleans to train partners will be joining a team from the Coast Guard and Louisiana Department of Health in meeting the ship later today when it docks. We will be evaluating two other crew members who reported mild illnesses recently and will be on hand to answer questions and provide information."

Stay with FOX 5 for updates on this developing story.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/26561048/cdc-inspecting-boat-for-possible-ebola-case