Ebola Scare at Bucks County Doctor's Office Prompts Emergency Response

A false Ebola scare prompted Newtown ambulance personnel to dress in protective gear as police assisted at a medical building on Newtown-Yardley Road Tuesday morning.

According to Newtown Township police, officers were called to a doctor’s office in that location around 11:35 a.m. after a patient there said she was worried she may have the Ebola virus.

The patient said she works with people from Liberia, where there is currently an outbreak of the deadly virus. The patient said she was not sure when or if any of her coworkers had traveled to the west African country.

The patient’s symptoms were similar to those associated with Ebola so medical personal from the doctor’s office began to follow Ebola safety precautions, police said. County and State departments of Health were notified of the situation, as well St. Mary Medical Center.

Ambulance personnel put on their protective suits when in contact with the patient and police stood by to prevent anyone from entering or exiting the building.

Officers were at the location for about 30 minutes and before they were advised by medical authorities that the patient was not infected with Ebola.