WESTLAKE, Ohio — University Hospitals has given an update to 3News after a patient who traveled to Cleveland from Tanzania was in isolation at St. John Medical Center in Westlake after experiencing flu-like symptoms.
In Friday's update, UH stated they are "pleased to report the patient’s condition is considered routine and they are no longer in isolation."
A spokesperson for University Hospitals told 3News on Thursday 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.
"We want to thank the caregivers at UH St. John’s Medical Center, who acted promptly and compassionately to provide care not only to this patient, but also taking steps to ensure the safety of other patients and staff there. Their actions exemplified the best of UH, making quick decisions in the face of incomplete information to prioritize our patients, staff and the community.," said University Hospitals in a statement to 3News.
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.
