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A man in police custody in Cobb County has undergone tests for the Ebola virus. But officials say he has already tested negative for symptoms that are precursors for the illness. They do not believe he has the disease, which has already claimed more than 3,000 lives in Africa.

Cobb County law enforcement officials isolated the man after he told them he had traveled to West Africa recently and showed flu-like symptoms. He was taken to Kennestone Wellstar Hospital in Marietta for tests.

Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald is the state health officer. At a press conference, she emphasized the public is at no risk for contracting Ebola and the man poses no threat.

“So far all of his lab work is negative and normal.” Fitzgerald said. “We have no reason to believe he has Ebola. He did indeed have nausea and vomiting but again all tests [are negative] -- for example the white count is absolutely normal.”

Fitzgerald, along with Sheriff Neil Warren, stressed that officials took all necessary precautions.

“He was isolated immediately. He was never exposed to other people. He was isolated in the ambulance. He was isolated at the hospital. And he remains under isolation now.”

Results from the definitive test for Ebola, administered by the Centers for Disease and Prevention in Atlanta, take 6-9 hours. Fitzgerald said the final results will be available late Friday.

Ebola Patient Loved Ones in Dallas Remain Confined

A hazardous-materials crew has been working at the Dallas apartment where a man infected with the Ebola virus had been staying. It's believed to have been collecting items worn or used by the man.

Thomas Eric Duncan is listed in serious but stable condition at a Dallas hospital.

The four people who live there -- a woman, her 13-year-old son and two nephews -- are confined under armed guard and can't have any visitors. They'll be monitored for weeks.

Health care officials in Texas are making progress tracking down people who had direct or indirect contact with Duncan.

The number of people is now 50, down from 100. All are being monitored and none have shown any symptoms of exposure to the often deadly virus.

Meanwhile, NBC News says an American freelance cameraman working for the network in Liberia who tested positive for the virus and will be flown back to the United States, along with the rest of the news crew.

In Washington, DC, a hospital is monitoring a patient showing symptoms connected to Ebola.

CNN and USA Today reported Friday that the patient went to Nigeria and showed symptoms upon returning home. A Howard University Hospital spokeswoman says the patient is in isolation and the proper infection protocols have been activated.

The patient was listed in stable condition.

Contributors: CNN, USA Today

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