Tulsa Patient Being Monitored For Ebola

The Tulsa Health Department confirmed it is monitoring an individual who returned from an Ebola-affected region.

In a news release, THD officials said they have been monitoring an individual in Tulsa County for the Ebola virus. THD said the person recently traveled from West Africa.

"The individual is classified as low risk, which means the person has traveled to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone within the previous 21 days, but did not have any known exposure to Ebola,” the news release said.

THD said staff has been in contact with the person daily during the 21-day surveillance period to monitor symptoms.

Late Thursday night, according to the release, the individual told health officials he or she had a fever and THD officials immediately implemented an isolation and evaluation plan in conjunction with the Regional Medical Response System.

They said the person was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

“The individual did not provide care for or have contact with anyone who has Ebola, and has very low risk for Ebola infection by CDC standards,” the release says. “Out of respect for the individual's privacy, no further information will be released.”

The release says THD has been working with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma City-County Health Department and other statewide partners in its response.

THD said more information will be provided as new details about the situation become available.

It said the public is encouraged to practice standard germ control measures – covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and frequent hand washing with soap.

For information you can visit THD's website.