CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A preliminary report says the patient who caused part of Carolinas Medical Center’s Emergency Department to shut down has Malaria, according to local health officials.
Hospital officials say a patient claimed to have recently visited Africa, a country known for high risk of infectious diseases. Β As a precaution, part of the emergency department was blocked off with yellow caution tape all Wednesday morning. Β
A statement from CMC says, “Late last evening, a patient arrived at Carolinas Medical Center Emergency Department after visiting a country known for high risk of infectious diseases. Β We took all appropriate infection control measures to protect patients, staff, and visitors. Β After consulting with the Centers for Disease Control and NC Department of Health and Human Services, it appears the risk for communicable disease is low. Β No further testing is needed and the patient will be sent home. Β The Emergency Department at Carolinas Medical Center remains open and operating normally.”
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease. Β It can not be spread from person to person.
