Suspected Ebola case in S. Africa tested negative: authority

The suspected Ebola patient has been tested negative for the virus and his condition stable, said health authority in South Africa, reassuring that no infection has been found in the country.

The 37-year-old man showed no sign of infection when he flew from Ebola hit Liberia to Johannesburg more than a week ago, but developed a high fever on Saturday and was sent to a local hospital for treatment and observation.

The Department of Health said the man did not have contact with Ebola patients in Liberia.

"We are busy conducting further tests for other infections and continue with our appropriate management of the patient. There are a number of measures put in place to maintain our vigilance and South Africans should rest assured that our surveillance is strengthened," said department spokesperson Joe Maila.

Since its outbreak in March, the Ebola virus has claimed more than 1,000 lives and infected about 2,000 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria.