The suspected Ebola case that triggered the alarm in Via Manno is a Congolese citizen living in Cagliari . The Local Health Authority (ASL) confirmed the case: the man had been visiting relatives in the capital, Kinshasa, and landed at Fiumicino Airport after a stopover in Cairo .
Formally claiming to be from Egypt, he passed through standard airport security. But then, upon arriving in Cagliari, he developed a high fever and contacted 118, which in turn alerted the Italian Red Cross .
Thus, the biocontainment protocol was implemented, closing Via Manno to pedestrian traffic this afternoon around 2:00 PM . Shops also closed, reopening about an hour later.
On site, in addition to doctors and nurses wearing aseptic suits and masks, there were also police, local police, and firefighters to enforce health protocols. The patient was removed and taken to Santissima Trinità, where he was placed in isolation in the infectious diseases ward and subjected to the necessary tests, which will be analyzed by the reference laboratory at the Spallanzani Hospital in Rome .
Thanks to the support of Rome's Civil Protection Department and coordination with the Cagliari Prefecture, a military helicopter landed at Elmas Airport to collect the samples. The helicopter is expected to arrive at Spallanzani Hospital during the night, with results expected tomorrow morning, Monday, June 1st . If the test is positive, the patient will be immediately transferred to Spallanzani Hospital.
An Ebola epidemic is currently raging in Congo and Uganda, with several hundred cases and dozens of deaths.
The Sardinia Region has reassured that all procedures required by the protocols are being followed : the patient, according to a statement, is in isolation and is being constantly monitored by specialized medical personnel. The Region is in constant contact with the Ministry of Health, local and national health authorities, the local and national Civil Protection Department, and the Spallanzani Institute in Rome.
The Ministry of Health also confirmed the suspected case, highlighting however that the risk in Italy remains "very low" .
Just two days ago, the ministry issued an ordinance requiring anyone arriving, directly or indirectly, by any means of transport, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, or who has been in those areas up to 21 days before entering Italy, to complete, sign, and submit a declaration to the Prevention Department of the Local Health Authority (ASL) of their place of residence or domicile within 24 hours .
(Unioneonline)