A patient at Barbourville (Ky.) Appalachian Regional Healthcare has been quarantined for a possible infectious disease, according to NBC affiliate WBIR Channel 10.
The patient is a student at Barbourville-based Union College, said Marcia Hawkins, PhD, university president, in a Jan. 14 statement. While the disease is still unidentified, the student does not have Ebola or an airborne virus, Ms. Hawkins said
The hospital declined comment due to patient confidentiality, Melissa Cornett, an ARH spokesperson, told NBC affiliate WSAZ. The hospital is currently open and accepting patients.
"Barbourville ARH is working closely with the state health department and the CDC to follow all proper recommendations and current guidelines to ensure our patients receive the best of care and others within our hospital remain safe," Ms. Cornett said.
Officials do not believe the community to be at risk, Angela Dearinger, MD, Kentucky Department of Public Health commissioner, said in a statement cited by WBIR Channel 10, adding that anyone with symptoms of a viral illness should seek healthcare immediately.