On Saturday, hospital officials from that Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital released a statement describing the condition of Thomas Eric Duncan, the first patient diagnosed with the Ebola virus in the United States, as critical. The medical team did not provide additional details into his condition, but this new development is a notable departure from the first official statement saying that the patient was in stable condition.
Duncan came to Dallas from Liberia last month, and this is where he began to display symptoms of the Ebola virus disease. He was reportedly visiting family in Texas, and they have since been held in isolation due to possible exposure to the virus as well. Louise Troh said that they are praying for Duncan's recovery, "I pray in Jesus' name that it will be alright."
Dallas health officials have already announced that they are monitoring about 50 other people in the area who could have potentially come in contact with Duncan. Acquitting to Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this group includes medical personnel who rode with Duncan in the ambulance, as well as hospital staff that came in initial contact with the patient when he first went to the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital emergency room after which he was released due to inconclusive symptoms. Authorities are watching the group closely for the development of signs and symptoms that indicate Ebola. They also noted that nine of these people are believed to be high-risk subjects but, so far, none of those under observation have shown any evidence of being infected.
Duncan's case as the first confirmed Ebola diagnosis in the United States has raised questions about the possible spread of the virus within the United States. However, federal health officials have assured the public that they are very well equipped to handle such situations and have the means to control the disease.
