Two patients hospitalised in Brazil with symptoms consistent with Ebola have tested negative for the virus, Brazilian health authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The cases, initially reported as a possible outbreak, had prompted heightened vigilance in the country and drew the attention of UK health officials monitoring the situation.
Both individuals, who had recently travelled from regions in Africa where Ebola is endemic, displayed fever, vomiting and haemorrhagic signs. They were placed in isolation at a specialised infectious disease unit in Sao Paulo. Laboratory results from the Fiocruz Institute ruled out Ebola, with further tests indicating a different viral haemorrhagic fever, local officials stated.
The UK Health Security Agency, which maintains a global surveillance network for emerging threats, confirmed it was tracking the incident. A spokesperson said there was no change to the UK's risk assessment for Ebola, which remains low. The agency added that it is in contact with international partners and has protocols in place should a case arise in the UK.
The World Health Organization has not issued any travel restrictions related to this event. Brazil's health ministry has praised its rapid response and diagnostic capacity. The incident underscores the enduring vigilance required after the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola epidemic, which killed over 11,000 people.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected humans or animals. Symptoms can appear between 2 and 21 days after exposure. Early detection and isolation are critical to preventing wider transmission.
