Second Ebola case in Texas as health care worker contracts virus

Officials say a health care worker at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital who attended to the Ebola patient hospitalised there has tested positive for the virus in a preliminary test. Dr. Daniel Varga, of the Texas Health Resources, said during a news conference Sunday that the worker wore a gown, gloves, mask and shield when they provided care to Thomas Eric Duncan during his second visit to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. Varga did not identify the worker and says the family of the worker has “requested total privacy.”

We knew a second case could be a reality, and we’ve been preparing for this possibility. We are broadening our team in Dallas and working with extreme diligence to prevent further spread.

Dr David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services

Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas County’s top administrative official, said the unidentified health care worker is a “heroic” person who “was proud to provide care to Mr. Duncan.” The health care worker reported a low grade fever Friday night and was isolated and referred for testing. Preliminary results were received on Saturday evening. Health officials have interviewed the patient and are identifying any contacts or potential exposures. Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person diagnosed with Ebola in the US, died on Wednesday in Dallas.

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