Ebola in US: 6 facts about the first Ebola patient in Dallas, Texas

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Published: October 3, 2014 12:59 pm

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The first Ebola case in US has spread fear and panic among the citizens. While the US CDC has assured that the infection won’t spread beyond this, the possibility of more Ebola cases in US cannot be ruled out. With contact tracing being initiated, slowly, the officials has revealed more information about the patient. Here are some facts you should know: Also Read - Ebola death toll rises to 55 in DR Congo

He flew from Liberia to Texas: The patient, Thomas Duncan, is a Liberian national who flew to Texas to meet his family members on September 20. However, four days after her reached US, he began to develop Ebola symptoms, confirmed Tom Frieden, director of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

He’s alleged to provide false information at Liberia airport: Reportedly, the patient lied on an airport questionnaire while leaving Liberia about not having any contact with an infected person. Liberia announced its plans to prosecute him for providing false information. Health authorities noted that he had filled out a series of questions about his health and activities before leaving on his journey to Dallas. When the form was obtained on September 19, the Associated Press found that he answered no to all of them.

He was sent home due to miscommunication: Texas Health Resources noted that the patient had informed a nurse that he was travelling from Liberia, during his initial screening at the hospital. However the information was not passed on to the team evaluating such cases and he was released.

About 80 people in contact with the patient being tracked: Health officials in Texas said that about 80 people might have come in contact with the patient. His family members have been ordered not to leave the house until the incubation period is passed. Five children from four different schools who initially came in contact were also identified and tested. CDC experts arrived in Texas and began tracking and testing the rest of them who might have come in contact with the patient. Those who brought the patient to the hospital on September 28 were tested negative for Ebola.

The patient acquired infection from his landlord s daughter: The New York Times reported that the patient could have acquired the infection from his landlord s daughter in Liberia. He had helped his landlord and his son to carry her to the hospital. She died the next day. Soon, the son also became ill and died.

The patient s condition is improving: The hospital and the doctors have not commented on the drugs used to treat the patient. However, it is confirmed that he is being treated with some other experimental drug as Zmapp is no longer available. He is currently isolated in an intensive care unit and his helath is improving.

Image source: Getty images

Video source: newsy.rightster.in

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Published : October 3, 2014 12:59 pm

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