A doctor who was recently confirmed by New York City officials as the city’s first case of Ebola allegedly attended a 22nd October event at a bowling alley located in the Williamsburg neighbourhood, which was set to host a concert as part of the CMJ Music Marathon.
As mxdwn reports, a CMJ showcase was expected to take place at The Gutter bowling alley. However, all activities have now been shut down after it was confirmed that Dr. Craig Spencer, who had treated Ebola patients in an African country ten days ago, went bowling the previous night.
City officials tell Brooklyn Vegan that after complaining of a high fever and gastrointestinal problems, Dr. Spencer was rushed to hospital. Authorities have now confirmed him as the first diagnosed case of Ebola in New York.
Early reports indicated that another New York City bowling alley that doubles as a music venue, Brooklyn Bowl, was suspected of being where the doctor bowled yesterday, but authorities have since confirmed that Dr. Spencer attended The Gutter.
The bowling alley was gearing up to host a CMJ Goodnight Records showcase, but issued a statement saying they could not open due to “unforeseen circumstances”. Local band Heaven were set to appear on the bill and tweeted that they would move the performance to another venue.
According to a statement released by the proprietors of The Gutter, officials have determined there was “no risk” to alley customers and that the venue was closed simply as “a precautionary measure”.
Meanwhile, Dr. Spencer is being treated at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital. He allegedly worked with Doctors Without Borders in West Africa before recently returning to the US. Reports indicate he felt healthy when he went bowling yesterday, but his health declined today.
Authorities have collected a specimen and are shipping it for further testing, as they scramble to retrace the doctor’s steps. It’s alleged that Dr. Spencer used the app Uber to find transport to the venue yesterday.
“Our understanding is that very few people were in direct contact with him,” New York City mayor Bill de Blasio told a press conference, as reported by Stereogum. The organisers of CMJ have not yet released a statement about the emergency cancellation.
The CMJ Music Marathon is an annual music conference, which this year is hosting a raft of Australian artists, including Courtney Barnett, Bad//Dreems, SAFIA, The Delta Riggs, and DMA’s.
