Ebola Virus Outbreak 2014 - Spain News Update: 16 New 'Suspects' Placed Under Quarantine

As of today, there are a total of 16 possible Ebola cases in Spain which are already being monitored in a Madrid hospital. This is after another three (3) suspected Ebola virus carriers have added to the tally, which include a nursing assistant, a hairdresser, and a hospital cleaner.

The three are said to have been in contact with 44-year old nursing assistant and Ebola patient Teresa Romero, who had contracted the disease in Africa after taking care of two infected priests who later on died due to the disease.

However, the government has announced that none of the 16 Ebola suspects has shown symptoms of the dreaded disease. Though they have been recommended for further passive observation for confirmation of non-infection.

Included in the 16 suspected to be infected with the disease are Romero's husband, five doctors, and ten nurses.

To date, more than 4,000 people, mostly from West Africa, have already been killed because of the disease. This number is expected to grow fast because of the fast doubling rate of infection incidences especially in West Africa.

According to Reuters, Britain's chief medical officer Sally Davies said that "the big problem is in West Africa where the doubling rate is every four weeks and it really is going up and up, so it will not be surprising if we have spillover into this country," as she expressed her fear of the spread of the disease in other countries.

Meanwhile, Romero is the only person outside the United States known to have been infected with Ebola.

Reuters reported though that "Romero's condition has undergone no significant changes and is still serious, but stable."

As precautionary measure, the United States also began screening travellers from West Africa at New York's John F. Kennedy International airport.

The Spain government has also tightened its Ebola detection protocols.

On another scenario, thousands of people have gathered in more than 20 cities throughout Spain to express their sympathy and solidarity for Romero and her dog which was euthanized on Wednesday (Oct. 8) instead of being placed in quarantine.

The protestors for the dog, Excalibur's unjust death put painting on their faces with the dog's name while walking around and carrying placards which say, "We are with you Teresa," ''You are not alone" and "We are all Excalibur." They also called on Health Minister Ana Mato to step down.