Doctor Who Treated Ebola Patients Is Being Evaluated In NYC Hospital

A doctor who traveled to West Africa and treated Ebola patients in Guinea is being evaluated at New York City's Bellevue Hospital after experiencing a high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The 33-year-old doctor, Craig Spencer, 33, had quarantined himself inside his Harlem apartment after his fever spiked, The New York Daily News reported. Just before noon on Thursday, EMS rushed into Spencer's 147th Street Apartment and took the doctor to the hospital. He was reportedly wearing an exposure suit when he was taken to the hospital.

The city confirmed Thursday that a healthcare worker matching Spencer's description was currently being tested for Ebola. Spencer was traveling in West Africa within the past 21 days, the incubation period for Ebola, according to the city. Results from the Ebola test are expected within 12 hours.

Here's a statement from the city of New York:

Today, EMS HAZ TAC Units transferred to Bellevue Hospital a patient who presented a fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The patient is a health care worker who returned to the U.S. within the past 21 days from one of the three countries currently facing the outbreak of this virus.

The patient was transported by a specially trained HAZ TAC unit wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). After consulting with the hospital and the CDC, DOHMH has decided to conduct a test for the Ebola virus because of this patient's recent travel history, pattern of symptoms, and past work. DOHMH and HHC are also evaluating the patient for other causes of illness, as these symptoms can also be consistent with salmonella, malaria, or the stomach flu.

Bellevue Hospital is designated for the isolation, identification and treatment of potential Ebola patients by the City and State. New York City is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of all New Yorkers.

As a further precaution, beginning today, the Health Department's team of disease detectives immediately began to actively trace all of the patient's contacts to identify anyone who may be at potential risk. The Health Department staff has established protocols to identify, notify, and, if necessary, quarantine any contacts of Ebola cases.

The Health Department is also working closely with HHC leadership, Bellevue's clinical team and the New York State Department of Health to ensure that all staff caring for the patient do so while following the utmost safety guidelines and protocols.

Bellevue and the New York State Department of Health to ensure that all staff caring for the patient do so while following the utmost safety guidelines and protocols.

The chances of the average New Yorker contracting Ebola are extremely slim. Ebola is spread by directly touching the bodily fluids of an infected person. You cannot be infected simply by being near someone who has Ebola.