Ebola in Texas: Second Dallas healthcare worker tests positive for virus
The worker also treated Ebola victim Thomas Duncan before his death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A second healthcare worker has tested positive for Ebola in Texas, health department officials have confirmed.
The health care worker provided care for Ebola victim Thomas Eric Duncan at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and reported a fever on Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health said in a statement.
It said the person was immediately placed in isolation at the hospital before a preliminary test was run late on Tuesday evening.
Nina Pham became the first person to contract the deadly virus in Dallas at the weekend. Ms Pham had been in close contact with Mr Duncan while treating him before his death last Wednesday.
The diagnosis comes after the head of the United Nations mission for Ebola warned the virus “got a head start on us, is far ahead of us, is running faster than us and is winning the race”.
Anthony Banbury told the UN Security Council the global response to the Ebola crisis must meet critical goals by December "or face an entirely unprecedented situation for which we don't have a plan."
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement that it was performing confirmation testing of Texas' preliminary tests on the new patient.
"An additional health care worker testing positive for Ebola is a serious concern, and the CDC has already taken active steps to minimize the risk to health care workers and the patient," the CDC said.
Additional reporting by AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments