An American has tested positive for the Ebola virus. NBC News is reporting tonight that an NBC freelance cameraman has been diagnosed with Ebola in Liberia and is headed back to the U.S. to be treated for the deadly disease. The American had been asked to cover the Ebola epidemic for NBC news but fell ill, presenting with typical Ebola symptoms such as muscle aches and pain, a fever and general fatigue. According to Dateline , the NBC freelance cameraman began showing symptoms of the disease on Wednesday, and immediately quarantined himself before seeking medical help. Medical staff tested the unidentified American freelancer for Ebola at the Medecins Sans Frontieres, where he tested positive for the Ebola virus.
Deborah Turness, President of NBC News, issued the following statement concerning the dire situation.
“As you know, Dr. Nancy Snyderman and our news team are in Liberia covering the Ebola outbreak. One of the members of their crew is an American freelance cameraman who has worked in Liberia for the past three years and has recently been covering the epidemic for US media outlets. On Tuesday he began working with our team. Today, he tested positive for Ebola.”
“We are doing everything we can to get him the best care possible. He will be flown back to the United States for treatment at a medical center that is equipped to handle Ebola patients. We are consulting with the CDC, Medicins Sans Frontieres and others. And we are working with Dr. Nancy on the ground in Liberia.”
“We are also taking all possible measures to protect our employees and the general public. The rest of the crew, including Dr. Nancy, are being closely monitored and show no symptoms or warning signs. However, in an abundance of caution, we will fly them back on a private charter flight and then they will place themselves under quarantine in the United States for 21 days – which is at the most conservative end of the spectrum of medical guidance. We know you share our concern for our colleagues and we will continue to keep you up to date and informed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or David Verdi with any questions.”
The cameraman’s identity is not being divulged at this time and NBC is doing the utmost to make sure the freelancer is transferred safely back to the United States to receive the proper treatment. The 33-year-old infected cameraman was stationed in the same place that Thomas Eric Duncan was exposed to the virus, according to Heavy . Inquisitr reported earlier that a man with possible symptoms of Ebola is undergoing testing in Hawaii to confirm diagnosis. Meanwhile, sheer panic sets in as Americans fear the disease will take hold in America and become widespread.
