24 Apr 2015

Nelson nurse cleared of having Ebola

7:49 pm on 24 April 2015

A healthcare worker who recently returned from Sierra Leone and required testing to rule out Ebola has tested negative for the virus.

Those caring for Ebola patients would be wearing full lightweight waterproof gowns, with hats, visors, masks and double gloves.

An example of the clothes worn by New Zealand health workers dealing with potential Ebola patients. Photo: RNZ / Karen Brown

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said the patient's condition had improved and they have been discharged from Wellington Hospital.

He said laboratory testing and clinical assessment had confirmed that the patient did not have Ebola.

It is the second healthcare worker to have returned from Africa and have tetse negative for Ebola.

Dr Coleman said the way the two scares had been handled showed New Zealand was well-prepared to deal with the issue.

In March a Gore-based health worker was also cleared of Ebola after returning from Sierra Leone.