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Spanish nurse Teresa Romero tests negative for Ebola

She was tested a second time, with results proving negative.

By Ed Adamczyk
Enhanced screenings by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at JFK International Airport in New York City on October 11, 2014 are part of the world's response to the spread of the Ebola virus. UPI/Donna Burton/CBP
Enhanced screenings by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at JFK International Airport in New York City on October 11, 2014 are part of the world's response to the spread of the Ebola virus. UPI/Donna Burton/CBP | License Photo

MADRID, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Teresa Romero, the Spanish nurse who became the first person outside West Africa to contract the Ebola virus, was declared disease-free Tuesday.

Romero, 44, was quarantined at Madrid's Carlos III Hospital since Oct. 6, when she contracted the virus while treating two missionaries brought to the hospital from Africa. Both died from the disease.

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Hospital officials said a second test on Romero for the virus proved negative, and 15 people -- who were in close contact with her and were placed under observation -- show no symptoms of the disease.

The outbreak of the disease has led to over 4,500 deaths in West Africa, with nearly 2,500 in Liberia alone. Isolated cases in Europe and the United States have brought the impact of the virus to the attention of the world, with countries improving response procedures and dedicating funding and personnel to fighting the disease in West Africa.

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