CDC: Texas health care worker positive for Ebola

DALLAS (AP) -- Federal officials have confirmed that a health care worker who provided hospital care for an Ebola patient in Dallas has tested positive for the virus.

Texas officials earlier Sunday said preliminary tests showed the worker had been exposed to Ebola, but they were awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That confirmation came Sunday afternoon.

Officials say the unidentified worker was in full protective gear when she provided care to Thomas Eric Duncan during his second visit to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.

This is the first known case of the disease being contracted or transmitted in the U.S.

The health care worker reported a fever Friday night as part of a self-monitoring regimen required by the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control.

Duncan died Wednesday in Dallas.
© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

A statement posted on the Texas Department of State Health Service's website said "confirmatory testing will be conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta."

Officials said the health care worker reported a low grade fever Friday night and was isolated and referred for testing. Preliminary test results were received late Saturday.

"We knew a second case could be a reality, and we've been preparing for this possibility," said Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services. "We are broadening our team in Dallas and working with extreme diligence to prevent further spread."

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.

Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person diagnosed with Ebola in the U.S., died Wednesday in Dallas.

(© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed)