Authorities are investigating a potential Ebola exposure at a Manhattan walk-in clinic after two patients from Madagascar arrived displaying symptoms consistent with the deadly virus. Preliminary reports suggest that at least three additional individuals in the clinic’s lobby may have been exposed while waiting for treatment.
As a precautionary measure, officials have locked down the facility, barring anyone from entering or leaving until health authorities can assess the situation. The New York City Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been notified and are working to determine whether the patients are indeed infected with Ebola.
Eyewitnesses reported heightened security and emergency medical teams arriving in full protective gear shortly after the patients’ arrival. Clinic staff are reportedly following strict biohazard protocols while awaiting official test results.
Ebola is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, internal bleeding.
