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Statement from the Chicago Ebola Resource Network

News – Wednesday, October 22, 2014

CHICAGO – Below is a joint update from the following members of the Chicago Ebola Resource Network: the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Medical Center regarding the two patients admitted yesterday for comprehensive medical evaluation.

  • The child patient under evaluation at the University of Chicago Medical Center has shown clinical improvements since arriving last night. The patient maintains a normal temperature and shows no symptoms of Ebola virus disease other than the one reported case of vomiting and dehydration. Though improvements have been seen, as a result of the dehydration and out of an abundance of caution, the patient's doctors in consultation with CDPH, IDPH and the CDC have decided to test the patient for Ebola virus disease. IDPH was recently approved by the CDC to perform testing for Ebola. The IDPH laboratory will conduct the preliminary testing while another specimen is sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing.
  • The adult patient under evaluation at Rush University Medical Center has also shown improvements and has shown no signs or symptoms of Ebola virus disease. The patient is no longer in isolation but will continue to be monitored by hospital officials in consultation with CDPH, IDPH and the CDC.
  • The Chicago Ebola Resource Network is a coalition of the Chicago Department of Public Health and four leading Chicago-area hospitals formed as part of a coordinated response to prepare for and respond to possible diagnoses of Ebola within Chicago. A statewide task force assembled by the Governor's Office will work closely with the Chicago Ebola Resource Network to ensure residents that hospitals and health officials across Illinois are prepared.