Mother and child being monitored for Ebola in Amarillo, Texas

A mother and child that recently returned from the West African country of Liberia are currently being monitored for Ebola in Amarillo, Texas. The child was admitted to Northwest Texas Hospital with a fever, while the mother is currently being monitored at home for possible exposure to Ebola.

"The City of Amarillo’s Public Health department is actively monitoring a small number of travelers from West Africa for possible Ebola exposure. While they were not symptomatic at their point of entry into the United States, possible symptoms have since presented. As a result, at least one individual has been transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

"In addition to the evaluation, Public Health officials will monitor these individuals twice a day for 21 days and follow local protocols in addressing health concerns of this nature," the City of Amarillo said in a statement.

“We have been planning for such an event since September. Community partners such as fire, AMS, police, emergency management, environmental health, airport, animal control and county agencies have been instrumental in proper planning and response.

“By following these protocols we’re greatly reducing the likelihood of exposing others," Public Health Director Casie Stoughton said.

“Remember, the likelihood of contracting Ebola is extremely low unless a person has direct unprotected contact with the blood or body fluids (like urine, saliva, feces, vomit, sweat, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola.

“Ebola cannot be spread simply by being near someone who is infected," Deputy Health Authority Dr. Ako Bradford said.