Ebola News Update: New York City Doctor Craig Spencer Tests Positive After Return from Africa

By Shawn Schuster
Dr. Craig Spencer
Dr. Craig Spencer while treating Ebola in Guinea. Photo: Facebook

A New York City doctor has tested positive for Ebola after returning from a humanitarian trip to Africa last week.

Thirty-three year old Craig Spencer worked with Doctors Without Borders in Guinea to treat those affected by the deadly virus. When he returned to the U.S. on October 17, he showed no signs of the virus and took several precautionary measures, including taking his temperature twice a day.

But early Thursday morning, Spencer developed a 100.3-degree fever, nausea, pain, and fatigue. He's currently being treated in an isolation ward at Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital, which is a designated Ebola center set up with the necessary equipment to treat the virus.

Despite the fact that Spencer spent several days in public after his return home from Africa doing everything from riding the subway to bowling, New York health officials want to make sure that the citizens of New York City understand that they're not at risk unless they were directly exposed to the doctor.

"We want to state at the outset that New Yorkers have no reason to be alarmed," said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a press conference. "New Yorkers who have not been exposed are not at all at risk."

Since Ebola isn't contagious until the symptoms begin, health officials are placing three people into quarantine today: Spencer's fiancee and two friends. The doctor saw no patients at his Columbia Presbyterian Hostpital office after his return home.

New York City health department workers are passing out fliers at Spencer's apartment complex letting neighbors know that they're not at risk. 

"What we're doing now is just telling the folks who live here in the neighborhood that they're safe. It's safe for them to be in their buildings, it's safe for them to go to their apartments, it's safe for them to walk down the street," said Sam Miller, associate commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Craig Spencer is the fourth person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the United States, and the tenth American to test positive for the virus worldwide.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo