Public Health Officials Monitor Individual Presenting Ebola-Like Symptoms In Madison

Madison-area health officials are monitoring a person who traveled to a West African country where Ebola is present.

The unnamed traveler was hospitalized earlier this week for observation. The person was experiencing symptoms consistent not only with Ebola, but also with the flu, including fever, muscle pain and diarrhea.

“According to all the CDC safety protocols for monitoring any evaluation, when travelers come back from all the Ebola-affected West African countries, public health is notified and monitors travelers for 21 days,” said Amy Vieth, a public health educator with Madison-Dane County Health.

Vieth said the observation protocol is a precaution and not an indication of Ebola. Health officials say the public is not at risk.