Fort Benning addresses Ebola infection case rumors. UPDATEDx2.
It seems that a initial entry soldier was placed under isolation precautions at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning for suspicion of symptomatic Ebola. The person who has not been identified was reported to have recent travel to Nigeria and presented a high grade fever. As of this post, it is believed that the fever was caused by a reaction to one of the immunization shots given during inprocessing. The base commander Major General Scott Miller, spoke on record to address the rumors that there was a active Ebola case, about a possible ebola case on Fort Benning.
During standard screening procedures, we identified a newly arrived Soldier with a recent travel history to Nigeria. The Soldier displayed an elevated temperature, and while he is not likely to have the Ebola virus, we have initiated necessary protocols out of an abundance of caution.
The Soldier has been isolated and is being monitored, even though it’s likely that his fever can be attributed to immunizations he received during in-processing.
We are currently in coordination with medical and CDC professionals to ensure testing is accurate and complete.
Representatives from Fort Benning also made a statement to address the rumors that the base and hospital were placed on lockdown.
“None of that’s true,” said Gary Jones, the Maneuver Center’s public affairs officer. “The gates were never closed. The hospital is not closed and will not be closed.”
“The post itself is open for business, and it’s business as usual,” said Col. Patrick Donahoe, Chief of Staff at the Maneuver Center of Excellence.
UPDATE: October 18th 2014.
Just a few minutes ago Fort Benning gave a status update on how the Solider is doing and more information about his background. The person in question was assigned to the 30th Reception Battalion.
“Today, the Soldier’s temperature has returned to within normal range, which is completely inconsistent with the disease process associated with Ebola,” MACH Commander Col. Scott Avery said in the statement.
Avery also said the soldier “does not pose a risk to others.”
UPDATE x2: October 18th 2014.
The Solider in question’s test came back negative for Ebola. Fort Benning Representatives gave this statement.
“While we are relieved this Soldier does not have Ebola, this was an opportunity for Fort Benning to not only test our systems, but exceed protocols to better ensure the safety and well-being of our Soldiers and those in the workforce who support them,” Maneuver Center of Excellence Chief of Staff Col. Patrick Donahoe said.
Category: Breaking News, Military issues
Shit, man, that’s not good.
I hope that training class checks out okay, and the soldier survives his struggle against Ebola.
As of right now, they are just doing this as a precaution, rather then due to a diagnoses.
Really glad to hear that the soldier is okay.
Open for business as usual.
That’s not at all reassuring. It sounds more like this clown-car administration, under the tutelage of president mom-jeans is trying it’s damndest to actually GET people infected.
Someone at MEPS dropped the ball by not asking about travel to a hot-zone.
Not sure if you realize this, but even if that question is asked at MEPS prior to shipping, recruits lie all the time. They are worried that they won’t be able to ship if they self disclose too much information.
I’m surprised as well, don’t they check them out the day before they ship out anymore? That, or did he lie about where he recently traveled? I hope and pray it’s NOT Ebola, that’s the last thing any Military Installation needs, period!
This leads to more questions than answers.
This is fine. There will be false positives, a lot of them, especially with the continuing influx from the hot spots.. The caution is well-advised, until he is cleared. That way, on the day ebola shows up, the damage will be minimized. I am glad they take it seriously.
Hope she is OK.
Beretverde… I saw what you did there……
Busted!
Heard about this from my husband and several other soldiers while at Ft. Benning this morning. Seems it is in fact Ebola. But no doubt if it is, it’ll be taken care of. They’re saying my husband is one of the people who will have to deal with this case soon.
Who in the name of Odin voluntarily travels to Nigeria just before entering BCT?
Lots of African immigrants in the military, my guess is he was visiting family knowing it would likely be his last chance to do so for a while.
ETA, not the same but my dad was living in Singapore when I enlisted, I spent about a month out there ~3 months before I shipped (and after signing the contract, I had to spend 5-6 months in DEP) and also traveled to Cambodia while I was there. Singapore is every bit as “first world” and more hygienic than the US, Cambodia…..isn’t.
In 1965 while the Army was exploding in size there were several cases of Spinal Meningitis at several boot camp training centers. I don’t remember the actual number of cases or if there were any deaths but the Army took it very seriously. So seriously that at least one boot camp was shut down. At Fort Ord we were restricted to the company area for the entire cycle. We were forced to sleep with all of the windows open(one tent peg) and if you reported a fever you were off to the dispensary post haste.
We had one trainee taken out in the middle of the night for suspected meningitis but it turned out to be a false alarm. My only sick call came as the result of the open window policy. I got an ear infection and one of my eardrums burst. The resultant bloody discharge sure got their attention. Bottom line, disease has always been the scourge of armies throughout history and they can’t be too careful.
God damnit, I live on Fort Benning. Why is this site how I have to hear about it?
You’re not signed up for the post alert system? Hell, I got a phone call at my desk, one on my cell, a text, an alert on my desk computer, and emails to both my civ and .mil email addresses.
Annnnddd….typo’d my own damn name…
Nope, didnt really care to
Just read the latest update. I am thankful this young soldier is okay now. I saw several guys in my day get sick from all the shots given upon entry.
Ditto, we had one that passed out right in the middle of the shots line!
I hope the soldier is okay.
However, there are several diseases that have undulant or fluctuating fevers as symptoms. Ebola is only one of them, and I sincerely hope this soldier does NOT have it.
My only comment is can we at least use some common sense from now on, for Pete’s sake? This is NOT something to fool with or take lightly.
We can expect more alerts like this with all the illegals the Obonghit administration feel the need to foist on the military.
Shit. When I got to Boot Camp, around the second week every swingin’ dick was sneezing, hacking, and stuffed up. After that ran it’s course, the rest of Boot Camp none of us got a single sniffle (we were totally isolated from the outside world for three solid months).
Things are getting out of hand and if infected people do not get help , lord have mercy.