Two children being tested for Ebola in Melbourne
The under-ten-year-olds flew into Australia from an unknown international location this morning.
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Rich List
Two children under 10 years of age are being tested for Ebola at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
The children were placed in isolation this morning and are being tested for a "range of infectious diseases including the Ebola virus".
The results of the tests – which are being conducted by special medical staff – are expected in “a few hours”.
According to a Victorian Health Department spokesman, the two children flew into Australia from an unknown international location this morning.
After they were found to have high temperatures during "standard screening processes" instituted by Melbourne airport in response to the west African outbreak that began last year, the decision was made to the Royal Children's Hospital for testing.
It is "exceedingly unlikely" the children have Ebola, according to Victoria's chief health officer, Rosemary Lester.
"There is no evidence of these patients being at risk of contracting Ebola Virus Disease - and the initial clinical assessment has suggested it is exceedingly unlikely," Ms Lester said in a statement.
"And the broader community is not at risk of contracting the Ebola virus - regardless of whether the patient has Ebola.
"The risk of infection is extremely low unless there has been direct exposure to the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal (alive or dead)," she said.
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Two children being tested for Ebola in Melbourne
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