Doctors warned about blood tests on those with Ebola symptoms

The National Virus Reference Laboratory has tested 18 samples from 12 patients with reported symptoms of Ebola and a relevant travel history, but all tested negative.

The news comes as the HSE issued new advice to GPs dealing with patients who may have the Ebola virus.

Under the revised guidelines, doctors have been told not to take blood samples prior to referring suspected cases to hospital.

Ebola, which has killed over 3,000 people in west Africa over the past six months, is spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids. Unlike flu viruses, it is not spread through the air.

Viral threats

In the guidance on viral threats, GPs are being advised to protect themselves against infection when a patient presents with fever and has recently travelled in Africa.

This involves putting on protective equipment including gloves, a long-sleeved gown and a face mask. Symptoms of Ebola include fever, bruising, bleeding, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Where no alternative diagnosis is found, the GP is required to refer the patient to hospital, informing the admitting team and ambulance service in advance.

The tests

The first Ebola case in the US was reported this week but none has occurred in

Ireland

.

The tests carried out at the National Virus Reference Laboratory were confirmed by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar in the Dáil this week. He said protocols were in place for ambulance staff to assess risk at airports and ports.

Suspected cases would be transported to the national isolation unit at the Mater hospital or the nearest emergency department.

Sinn Féin health spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin claimed GPs and hospital workers were being put at risk by a policy of encouraging people to seek medical attention.

Mr Varadkar said the HSE’s Ebola scientific advisory group met regularly to review the situation.