Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez on the test results from the Florida Department of Health

(MIAMI, October 6, 2014) – “I have received reports from the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the President & CEO of Jackson Health Systems that test results for the patient who possibly had the Ebola virus were negative.  The tests were conducted by the Florida Department of Health.  To conform to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a sample was sent to CDC in Atlanta and the results are expected back on Wednesday.  Let me also emphasize that the testing was conducted out of an abundance of caution given that the patient did not meet the test criteria set by the CDC.

“As Governor Rick Scott has stated, in an abundance of caution, the Florida Department of Health has requested an additional 30 Ebola testing kits from the CDC and 100 additional units of high-level personal protective equipment for the state. We welcome and applaud those efforts.

“My administration is working closely with the Department of Health and will deal with any of these potential issues on a case-by-case basis.  We remain vigilant, but there is no immediate need for concern.  Miami-Dade County is home to 2.6 million residents and is a global center for tourism which is visited by millions from all over the world each year.  As such, we always maintain the highest possible levels of preparation to deal with any number of natural or manmade issues, with the safety of our residents and visitors remaining our top priority.”