Doctors confirm patient at Emory has Lassa Fever

Doctors at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed the patient they are treating has Lassa fever. The patient came from west Africa and arrived in Atlanta's Emory University Hospital this weekend.

Doctors say even though the case of Lassa fever is now confirmed, it's not a danger to the public.

The patient is in the same unit where doctors treated four American Ebola patients two years ago.

Dr. Colleen Kraft works in the serious communicable diseases unit.

Kraft says Ebola is much more lethal than Lassa fever and easier to contract.

Kraft told Channel 2 Action News her colleagues have strict protocols to follow to protect themselves and the public.

Emory officials cannot say much about who the patient is other than the person was working in West Africa for a missionary organization.

Doctors are optimistic about their ability to treat the patient.

Cox Media Group