Statement from the Chicago Ebola Resource Network

Below is a joint statement from the following members of the Chicago Ebola Resource Network: the Chicago Department of Public Health, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and the University of Chicago Medical Center.

The Chicago Department of Public Health, other city agencies and leading Chicago hospitals have implemented protocols to respond in a coordinated manner in the unlikely event of an Ebola diagnosis in Chicago. To be clear, at this time there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola and there is no threat to the general public. Under the rigorous protocols put in place by the City of Chicago and partners – protocols that go above and beyond CDC guidelines – two travelers who arrived at O’Hare today are undergoing comprehensive medical evaluations at Network hospitals following infectious disease protocols.

• A child passenger originating from Liberia became ill en route to O’Hare, reportedly vomiting one time. Upon landing, the passenger was immediately screened by federal authorities and found to have no fever, no symptoms other than reportedly vomiting one time and no known risk of exposure. Following protocols implemented by the City of Chicago, the passenger was transported to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, a member of the Chicago Ebola Resource Network, for a full medical evaluation. Following that evaluation, the CDC has determined not to test the patient for Ebola at this time. Out of an abundance of caution and in consultation between the CDC, CDPH and Network hospitals, the patient is being transported following stringent infection control protocols to the University of Chicago Medical Center for ongoing observation in isolation.

• The passenger’s family has also been screened and was found to have no symptoms and no known risk of exposure. Per City protocols that go above and beyond CDC requirements, the passenger’s family is under quarantine until the evaluation is complete.

• Separately, an adult passenger traveling alone also originating from Liberia reported nausea and diarrhea. The passenger reported having been diagnosed with typhoid fever in August. Even though the passenger had a normal temperature and reported no known risk of exposure during the screening, city protocols required the passenger undergo a full medical evaluation at one of the Chicago Ebola Resource Network hospitals as a result of reported symptoms. The passenger was transported to Rush University Medical Center following stringent infection control protocols and is currently undergoing a medical evaluation. Following that evaluation, it was determined not to test the patient for Ebola at this time. City and hospital officials are working closely with the CDC to continue monitoring.

• The two passengers are not related and were not traveling together.

• The Chicago Ebola Resource Network is a coalition of the Chicago Department of Public Health and four leading Chicago-area hospitals formed as part of a coordinated response to prepare for and respond to possible diagnoses of Ebola.

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