An alarming incident unfolded at a CityMD urgent care facility in East Harlem on February 16, 2025, when two patients were treated for suspected Ebola exposure. Emergency responders, including Hazmat teams, were dispatched to the scene following alerts about the individuals’ potential contact with the disease. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed that they were called to the urgent care center located on East 116th Street and 3rd Avenue. Neighbors and onlookers reported seeing numerous emergency vehicles and personnel dressed in protective gear, instilling both concern and curiosity. One neighbor, Mary Thompson, expressed her fears, stating, ‘You never know what can happen in the city. It’s scary to think that something like this could be happening right next to you.’ The two patients, whose identities were not disclosed, were quickly transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Health officials are conducting rigorous contact tracing to determine the extent of exposure to the virus and ensure that anyone who may have been at risk is notified. In a press statement, a representative from the New York City Department of Health emphasized that the investigations are ongoing and proper protocols are being followed. The incident has raised questions among residents about preparedness for such infectious disease outbreaks in urban areas. ‘We must be vigilant and prepared for anything,’ said local resident James Carter. ‘These situations remind us how interconnected we all are.’ While health officials say the likelihood of widespread illness remains low, there is still a collective sense of anxiety regarding the situation.
