London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit is advising that preliminary tests conducted on blood samples taken from two patients currently in isolation at London Health Sciences Centre’s Victoria Hospital, have come back negative for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

“This is encouraging news, yet we will remain vigilant as we and our partners continue to monitor this situation very closely,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “There are other potential reasons for the symptoms we’re seeing, but until ebola can be ruled out completely, the protocols and precautions currently in place at Victoria Hospital will continue.”

The results of further testing are expected within the next few days.

The patients who are currently under investigation for EVD were transferred to Victoria Hospital at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10th and were immediately placed in isolation in a negative pressure room. They were not brought through the Emergency Department and both hospital and EMS staff followed established precautions to contain any potential risk. There has been no impact to patient and visitor activity at LHSC.

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.)

Spokespeople:
Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit