[BRIEF] A 30-year-old woman is currently isolated at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Hospital while being assessed for the Ebola virus. The New Mexico Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are conducting tests on the woman.
According to authorities, the woman left Sierra Leone, West Africa earlier this month. Since returning, the woman developed symptoms associated with Ebola, including sore throat, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
The woman was not known to have been exposed to Ebola in Sierra Leone, the health department stated Sunday, but has been isolated while tests are underway.
Ebola has an incubation period between infection with the virus and the appearance of symptoms of 2-21 days. A person is contagious during this time, even if no symptoms are present. The average incubation period is 4-6 days. After symptoms appear, a person will remain contagious for approximately three weeks.
When the Ebola virus enters a host, the virus begins to multiply, and can travel through the blood to the liver, spleen, pancreas, thyroid gland, lungs, kidneys, skin, brain and other organs. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, weakness, stomach pain, and lack of appetite.
The first confirmed Ebola death in Sierra Leone took place in May. Earlier this month, the nation’s government imposed quarantines in counties with the highest Ebola infection rates. Some international airlines have suspended flights from Sierra Leone.
More information is expected Sunday evening. A doctor involved in the case has scheduled a press statement for 5:30 PM.
By Sid Douglas