Contact tracing underway to identify those with whom the patient has had close contact
The first case of Ebola has been confirmed in the US. The patient had recently travelled from Liberia to Dallas, Texas, but had not shown symptoms during the flights from West Africa, where the Ebola epidemic has already killed more than 3,000 people.
Laboratory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Ebola and contact tracing is underway to identify people with whom the patient has had close personal contact.
The patient arrived in the US just over two weeks ago and shortly after began displaying symptoms. He sought medical help from the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital on September 26 and was admitted two days later.
CDC's director Dr Tom Frieden said it is "not impossible" that there will be additional cases linked to this patient, however he says he has "no doubt that we will contain this."
"Ebola can be scary. But there's all the difference in the world between the US and parts of Africa where Ebola is spreading. The United States has a strong healthcare system and public health professionals will make sure this case does not threaten our communities."
Ebola is only contagious if the infected person is displaying symptoms. As the patient did not show signs until arriving in the US, CDC is not recommending monitoring of those people who were on the same airline flights.
The virus is believed to be spread by direct contact with bodily fluids or exposure to needles or other contaminated objects.
CDC says it has been taking steps to prepare for a US case of Ebola. This includes improving surveillance and laboratory testing capacity, developing guidance for health officials and providing updated information to the public.
For more information visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/
Image © CDC/Cynthia Goldsmith, Wikimedia Commons
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