Two children have tested negative for Ebola after being admitted to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne earlier today.
The girls, aged four and eight, returned to Melbourne overnight with their parents and another sibling following an extended visit to the Ebola-affected nation of Guinea.
Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer, Professor Michael Ackland, said they were admitted to hospital after “routine screening … identified that the girls had elevated temperatures”.
“As a precaution in accordance with universal infection control procedures, they were transported to the Royal Children’s Hospital to be assessed for a range of infections – including Ebola virus disease,” he said in a statement.
“While this test is negative, we are being extremely cautious and will require a further test in 72 hours to absolutely rule out any possibility of Ebola virus disease, according to the state plan.”
Professor Ackland said the girls were being treated for a respiratory illness and were now doing well.
“Passengers on Etihad flight EY460 which arrived in Melbourne from Abu Dhabi at 11:40pm Wednesday night who would like to receive further information about the signs and symptoms of Ebola can contact 1800 356 061,” he said.
“It is highly unlikely that any other passengers, crew members on the flight or airport and ambulance staff who came into contact with the children will fall ill.
“Obviously, the parents are very concerned for the health of all their children and we are actively monitoring their health and providing them with support.”
The ABC earlier revealed that the children were isolated after being admitted to hospital this morning.
Although the hospital initially refused to say the children were being tested for Ebola, the Department of Health subsequently put out a statement confirming it.
The ABC was told the Royal Children’s Hospital enacted its precautionary Ebola procedures this morning when the children were admitted.
A Health Department spokesman said the response was part of standard screening processes employed by Melbourne Airport as part of the global response to the Ebola outbreak.