6 in isolation as Ebola suspect dies at airport

The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (Haad), the healthcare regulatory body in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, on Sunday announced the death of a 35-year old Nigerian woman who was traveling from Nigeria to India for medical treatment of advanced metastatic cancer.

During the transit phase at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the patient’s health deteriorated and despite prompt medical assistance she could not be successfully resuscitated, Haad said in a statement, adding that it was noted at the time of resuscitation that she had shown signs that may be consistent with Ebola virus infection, although her existing medical condition provided an adequate medical explanation.

''Full safety and precautionary measures have been taken by the medical staff who attended the patient according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards for dealing with suspected cases of infectious diseases,'' the statement added.

''In addition, all contacts of the patient (her husband who was the only person sitting next to her on the plane, and five medics who resuscitated her) are in isolation pending the result of Ebola testing on the patient. They are all well with no symptoms,” Haad affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health assured the public that there is no risk to the community and that fellow passengers on the plane from Nigeria and in the airport were not at risk.



 

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