A patient who recently traveled to Cleveland from Tanzania is in isolation at UH St. John Medical Center in Westlake after experiencing flu-like symptoms.
A spokesperson for University Hospitals told 3News that the individual arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport before being transported early Thursday morning by North Olmsted EMS to UH St. John’s Emergency Department.
The hospital initially said the patient had traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the spokesperson later told 3News this is an “evolving situation” and clarified the plane traveled from Tanzania.
“UH staff has taken proper safety precautions while their condition is being evaluated. The patient is currently under isolation and their condition has been reported to the Ohio Department of Health,” said University Hospitals in a statement to 3News.
In addition, University Hospitals says that patients and staff are “utilizing proper masking and isolation protocols, and taking appropriate reporting steps to protect our patients, staff and the community.”
Citing state health privacy laws, the Ohio Department of Health declined to provide specific details about the patient’s condition but said it does not believe there is an ongoing risk to the general public.
The hospital has notified ODH of this case, which is standard under state rules. Certain diseases, whether confirmed or merely suspected, must be reported to public health departments,” an ODH spokesperson said.
“When suspected or confirmed cases are reported, local health departments and ODH work closely with healthcare facilities to follow up and ensure appropriate precautions are taken to safeguard public health. This is standard practice.
