Ebola scare at Southwestern College in Chula Vista

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Southwestern College is seen in this Google Maps image.
Southwestern College is seen in this Google Maps image.
KABC

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KABC) -- A college building in Chula Vista was cordoned off over concerns about a possible link to Ebola.



The building was on the campus of Southwestern College. A student told an instructor that she had traveled to the Midwest last week with her family, and now, her sister was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms.



Rumors began on social media that they had been on board the same plane that carried the Texas nurse who tested positive for Ebola. None of that turned out to be true.



"The student is not exhibiting any flu-like symptoms," Southwestern College said in a statement. "Our campus nurse has thoroughly examined the student and there is no expectation of Ebola."



Officials cordoned the area off as a precaution. After more than an hour, the school posted on its Facebook page: "NO EBOLA ON SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE CAMPUS."



The student later acknowledged to officials that she had made up the story so she wouldn't be dropped for missing class, college spokeswoman Lillian Leopold said. Officials were still investigating who mentioned Ebola, and it was unclear if any disciplinary action would be taken.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.



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