Thomas Eric Duncan, 42, who was infected with Ebola virus and traveled to Dallas, Texas last week, died of the disease last Wednesday at 7:51 am. He was isolated at a Dallas hospital and treated with experimental drugs. On Tuesday, health authorities and doctors said his condition went from serious to critical.
Duncan flew into the United States from Liberia last week. He was cleared at the airport because he did not have fever and was not manifesting symptoms of the disease. Consequently, he lied in the health form he filled up upon entering the airport. He said he was not in contact with anyone infected with the virus. Before his flight, he assisted a pregnant woman who died in a hospital due to Ebola virus.
Up to date, the virus has killed more than 3,000 people in West Africa especially in mostly Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. It is now considered the biggest outbreak ever.
Louise Troh, 54, Duncan's fiancé learned of his death while under quarantine with several others who lived with Duncan for the past weeks. The death of Duncan spread like wildfire causing extreme fear among the public. Ebola is indeed a serious matter to focus on and control of its spread is the utmost priority of health authorities not only in affected areas, but also to those who fear transfer of the virus from one country to another.
In related news, a man who lived in the same apartment as Duncan was rushed to a hospital and monitored for possible Ebola virus exposure. Health officials are not yet confirming if the man has the virus or not. However, he was not among the 48 people monitored and quarantined because of exposure to the patient.
Though heartfelt condolences are expressed by many for his death, people are still questioning the negligence done by the hospital where Duncan first visited for consultation but was eventually sent home. Questions arise as whether the patient would still be alive if he was admitted in the hospital the first time he went there on September 25. He was rushed to the same hospital on September 29 but was already in a serious condition.