Health authorities in Brazil have confirmed that two patients suspected of having Ebola have tested negative for the virus. The first patient, who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was admitted to a hospital in São Paulo on 24 May. Testing was conducted in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the patient's symptoms were not consistent with Ebola, but as a precaution, further testing was carried out. The results of these tests were negative, ruling out Ebola as the cause of the patient's illness.
The second patient, who had recently returned from Uganda, was admitted to a hospital in Rio de Janeiro on 25 May. This patient's symptoms were also not consistent with Ebola, prompting further testing. The results of these tests were also negative, ruling out Ebola as the cause of the patient's illness.
While the news brings relief to health authorities in Brazil and globally, the risk of Ebola transmission remains a concern. According to the WHO, the risk of Ebola transmission through air travel is extremely low, but it cannot be ruled out entirely.
The Brazilian Ministry of Health has issued a statement reassuring the public that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of the virus. The Ministry has also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any symptoms of Ebola to the authorities immediately.