Thomas Eric Duncan, the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the United States, has died.
According to the announcement of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, where he was treated, he died on October 8, Wednesday morning. He's been considered under critical condition for several days after he tested positive of the virus and was isolated in the hospital. A few days ago, news reports mentioned he was provided with experimental drugs.
Duncan was a Liberian who was believed to have been exposed after helping a 19-year-old pregnant woman who later died. He flew from Monrovia, where he used to work as a driver, and arrived in Dallas on September 20 in order to visit family and friends. It's his first time to arrive in the country.
Four days after, he developed initial symptoms of the virus but saw a doctor only four days later. Despite the information from his sister that he came from Liberia, he wasn't tested for the virus but was instead provided with antibiotics and then sent home.
On September 28, his symptoms worsened that the family called for help. Duncan was seen vomiting outside his apartment before he was taken to the hospital for admission.
Two days after, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed their first Ebola case.
Several people are currently being observed for symptoms after being exposed to Duncan. These include his immediately family including his son and sister, as well as the staff of the fire department who picked him up from the apartment.
Because the dead body can still hold the virus, only trained health workers are allowed to handle it. Moreover, autopsy may not be performed unless necessary and approved by the CDC.
Meanwhile, U.S. airports will begin a tighter health screening for individuals that may be suspected of having the virus especially those who came from West Africa, the region that's been severely hit by the outbreak. The health workers will take body temperatures and passengers are required to answer questionnaires.
