Scientist exposed to Ebola watched closely

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. officials are keeping a close watch on a Fort Detrick scientist accidentally exposed to the deadliest strain of the Ebola virus.

The scientist, who was not identified, has been placed in isolation after the mishap in which she stuck herself with a needle while working with mice infected with a weakened form of the virus, the Washington Post said.

She has shown no symptoms of the deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever during eight days of medical observation in a special isolation facility after the Feb. 11 accident, Army spokesman Chuck Dasey said.

If she does become ill, she would receive only "supportive care," Dasey said, because there is no known cure.

The disease is characterized by its abrupt onset. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.