Brazil Rules Out 2 Suspected Ebola Cases, Health Ministry Emphasizes Low Domestic Risk

(CNA, São Paulo, June 1) Brazil's Ministry of Health recently investigated two suspected Ebola cases in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. After testing, both were ruled out for Ebola virus infection, with diagnoses confirmed as meningitis and malaria, respectively. No Ebola outbreak has occurred in the country. According to Brazilian media such as the news site G1, the São Paulo case involved a 37-year-old man who entered from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the Ebola outbreak in that country, he was isolated after showing symptoms. Test results showed no Ebola virus genes, and he was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis and is still receiving treatment. The other case involved a Belgian traveler from Uganda who was tested in Rio de Janeiro. Blood, saliva, and urine samples showed negative results for the Ebola virus, and he was diagnosed with malaria. The patient has been released from high-level biosafety isolation and continues to receive clinical care. The Brazilian Ministry of Health emphasized that there have been no cases of local Ebola transmission in the country to date, and the risk remains low. Experts point out that Ebola is mainly transmitted through contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated items of infected persons, is not transmitted through the air, and is only infectious after symptoms appear, which helps in tracking contacts and controlling the outbreak. Reports indicate that the incubation period for Ebola is about 2 to 21 days, and common symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to hemorrhagic fever in severe cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor the outbreak in Central Africa and reminds all countries to remain vigilant, but there is currently no evidence of a risk of Ebola transmission in Brazil. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150602.