Ebola Spreed in Dallas as a Nurse who Treated Thomas Eric Duncan Has Tested Positive for the Virus

Ebola has spread in Dallas as a female nurse who has tested positive for the virus has been sealed off with a police guard outside. The nurse, who works at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, was part of a team caring for Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan who died from the virus last week.

Her identity has not been released - Dr. Daniel Varga, of the Texas Health Resources, said during a news conference Sunday the worker and her family have 'requested total privacy.' Varga said a 'close contact' of the nurse has been 'proactively' placed in isolation.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawling said the hazardous materials unit of the Dallas Fire Department has cleaned up and decontaminated the shared areas of her apartment complex. Hazardous materials units have also cleaned out the nurse's car. Health officials have interviewed the patient and are identifying any contacts or potential exposures.

Varga said that the worker wore a gown, gloves, mask and shield. Varga says the health care worker reported a fever Friday night as part of a self-monitoring regimen required by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He said another person also remains in isolation, and the hospital has stopped accepting new emergency room patients.

Health officials have interviewed the patient and are identifying any contacts or potential exposures. They said people who had contact with the health care worker after symptoms emerged will be monitored based on the nature of their interactions and the potential they were exposed to the virus. - dpuf

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