Ebola Claims First American Victim

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Oct 09, 2014

Ebola Claims First American Victim

Thomas Eric Duncan has become the first American to die from the Ebola virus. Duncan passed Wednesday (Oct. 8) morning while receiving treatment at a Dallas hospital. 

Hospital spokesman Wendell Watson wrote the following statement upon Duncan’s death: "It is with profound sadness and heartfelt disappointment that we must inform you of the death of Thomas Eric Duncan this morning at 7:51 a.m.”

Duncan became infected with the Ebola virus while in Liberia; there were no apparent symptoms until Duncan arrived in the United States. 

Officials believe that Duncan came in contact with up to 48 people. Those who came in contact with Duncan are being monitored for signs of the virus; the 10 people who are at highest risk of developing the illness are quarantined. 

David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a statement, "The past week has been an enormous test of our health system, but for one family it has been far more personal. Today they lost a dear member of their family. They have our sincere condolences, and we are keeping them in our thoughts.” 

Publication date: October 9, 2014



Ebola Claims First American Victim