London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit is advising that the results of tests conducted on blood samples taken this morning from two patients at London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) Victoria Hospital, are negative for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
“These test results confirm that the two patients who have been under investigation for the last several days do not have Ebola Virus Disease. The risk of infection had been small from the beginning, yet it was necessary to take all the precautions we could until Ebola could be completely ruled out,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “The coordination of effort and cooperation between all the partners, from the province, to LHSC and Region of Waterloo Public Health, has shown that the system was well prepared to meet the challenge. We’re grateful for everyone’s efforts in this response.”
Upon being advised of the results of today’s tests, the patients were discharged from Victoria Hospital earlier today.
“As part of our preparedness for potential Ebola cases, LHSC diligently worked to educate, train and prepare staff and physicians for a situation such as this, and I am very pleased that those efforts resulted in a calm, coordinated and controlled process this week,” says Murray Glendining, President and CEO of London Health Sciences Centre. “The compassion shown by the health care team caring for these patients has been exemplary. I would like to thank staff and leadership, both clinical and non-clinical, as well as our public health and provincial partners, who worked closely together to ensure that this situation was managed safely and effectively. We are relieved that the results of testing are negative, and wish the patients good health moving forward.”
LHSC has been designated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as an ebola treatment facility and as such is fully prepared to care for potential EVD patients.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit