An American camera operator working in Liberia for NBC News tested positive for Ebola and will be flown back to the U.S. for treatment, according to NBC News.
Ashoka Mukpo was reportedly hired as a freelance camera operator on Tuesday to shoot for NBC News' chief medical editor, Dr. Nancy Snyderman. NBC reported that on Wednesday, Mukpo discovered he had a fever during a routine temperature check. Sources say Mukpo quarantined himself until seeking medical council on Thursday. After 12 hours, the diagnosis was confirmed: Mukpo tested positive for Ebola.
Mitchell Levy, Mukpo's father, was quoted by ABC as saying, "Having lived there for the last several years, Ashoka was well aware of the risks but felt strongly about trying to help provide honest perspective from the ground level. Ashoka is being evacuated to the USA where he will receive the best possible treatment. The doctors are optimistic about his prognosis."
According to Levy, his son "has been engaged with human rights work in West Africa for the last several years. When the Ebola outbreak occurred he felt compelled to return to Liberia to help shed light on how the crisis was being handled socially and politically."
NBC reports that other members of the news team are taking extra precautions beyond CDC guidelines.
An excerpt from NBC News president Deborah Turness' memo to her staff follows:
"We are doing everything we can to get him the best care possible. He will be flown back to the United States for treatment at a medical center that is equipped to handle Ebola patients. We are consulting with the CDC, Medicins Sans Frontieres and others. And we are working with Dr. Nancy on the ground in Liberia."
The letter continues, "We are also taking all possible measures to protect our employees and the general public. The rest of the crew, including Dr. Nancy, are being closely monitored and show no symptoms or warning signs. However, in an abundance of caution, we will fly them back on a private charter flight and then they will place themselves under quarantine in the United States for 21 days - which is at the most conservative end of the spectrum of medical guidance."
CNN's Anderson Cooper spoke to Dr. Sanjay Gupta last night about the incident.
