BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (WRIL/LEX 18) — A Union College athlete has been hospitalized and quarantined, reportedly for a hemorrhagic fever.

Staff at Barbourville ARH issued the quarantine shortly after the student came in for a physical.

Dr. Joshua Kadetz stated in an interview with WRIL that the student was quarantined with a hemorrhagic fever. He had not left the country over winter break, but he did have family members visit him from overseas.

Neither the hospital nor the college believe there is any chance for exposure or spreading of the illness. Staff members who treated the patient are being monitored.

The emergency room at the hospital is still operating normally.

"I have been notified by the Health Department that one of our Union College students is currently in isolation at ARH. We have been informed that there is no immediate risk to the public. However, we will take every precaution to ensure the safety of our campus community. We have not been told the identity of the student," reads a statement issued on behalf of Marcia Hawkins.

Testing to determine the nature of the illness is underway. The Cabinet for Health and Family services issued a press release.

“We want to assure Kentuckians we are aware of a potential infectious disease and are working collaboratively with the local hospital as well as local, regional, and federal public health authorities to determine not only a possible cause of illness, but any steps that need to be taken to protect the health and wellbeing of our Commonwealth,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Angela Dearinger. “We do not believe the wider community to be at-risk and appropriate protocols were followed at the hospital to prevent exposure to other patients.”

