First Ebola Patient Diagnosed in U.S. Dies, What Happens Next

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The first person in the United States to be diagnosed with Ebola, Thomas Eric Duncan, was pronounced dead Wednesday morning by the Dallas hospital where he was being treated. 

The outbreak has already killed thousands in Africa. 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital wrote on Facebook:

“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., Mr. Duncan succumbed to an insidious disease, Ebola. He fought courageously in this battle. Our professionals, the doctors and nurses in the unit, as well as the entire Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas community, are also grieving his passing. We have offered the family our support and condolences at this difficult time.”

Duncan’s liver function had been improving, and he was receiving the experimental drug brincidofovir. He was on a ventilator receiving kidney dialysis.

According to ABC News, the U.S. has announced its expansion of airport examinations to guard against the spread of the deadly disease. The checks will include taking the temperatures of hundreds of travelers arriving from West Africa at five major American airports.

Speaking by teleconference with mayors and local officials, Obama said he was confident the U.S. could prevent an outbreak. But he warned them to be vigilant.

“As we saw in Dallas, we don’t have a lot of margin for error,” Obama said. “If we don’t follow protocols and procedures that are put in place, then we’re putting folks in our communities at risk.”