Ebola test negative

By Carol Aloysius

Samples sent for testing of Sri Lanka's first suspected case of Ebola have turned out negative, director, Medical Research Institute, Dr Sumith Ananda told the Sunday Observer, Saturday. " The Indian laboratory has confirmed that Ebola and Hanta virus tests were both negative", he said.

"However we are continuing to operate our 24-hour screening counters at all entry points to the country, and all visitors who have travelled in western African countries will be screened, including sailors. We are ready to test any suspected cases."

Nearly 1,550 persons have died of Ebola and 3069 cases of Ebola reported so far in five African nations , with Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, being the worst affected by the virus. A new virus tested positive on monkeys meanwhile is said to be ready to be used on humans shortly.