State health officials say they are urging hospitals in Massachusetts to err on the side of caution when it comes to reporting any patients who could possibly have been exposed to Ebola.

Dr. Albert DeMaria, an infectious disease specialist for the Department of Public Health, told a press briefing Friday that several suspicious cases were investigated in the state in recent months, but Ebola was quickly ruled out in all of them.

DeMaria said none rose to the level of having a specimen sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control for testing.

While the risk of infection remains low, health care facilities are urged to contact state or Boston health officials about any concerns.

DeMaria said the state is also prepared to implement quarantine procedures if a case is identified.

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