According to a statement released by the Texas Department of State Health Services, a nurse at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas has tested positive for the Ebola virus. The nurse, a female who has asked to not be identified, had cared for Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan, who died of the virus on October 8.
The nurse developed a fever on October 10 and was diagnosed on October 11. She contracted the disease despite the fact that she wore gloves, face shield and a protective gown. She was one in a group of 48 healthcare workers who were considered at low risk of developing the disease when she began to run a low-grade fever on Friday.
According to DFW CBS, the patient's car has already been decontaminated, as well her residence in the 5700 block of Marquita Avenue in Dallas. She had a pet whose status is being monitored.
At a news conference on October 12, Dr. Daniel Varga of the Texas Health Resources said that the family of the worker has "requested total privacy." Another person also remains in isolation.
Dr. Tom Frieden, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the CDC will investigate how the workers removed their hazmat gear since removing it incorrectly can lead to a contamination.
Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner Dr. David Lakey issued a statement saying that they'd been prepared for the possibility of a second case and would be "working with extreme diligence to prevent further spread."
