Ebola: Health care worker tests positive at Texas hospital

A HEALTH care worker at a Texas hospital who cared for an Ebola patient has tested positive for the virus in a preliminary test at the state public health laboratory.

A statement 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 on Friday night and was isolated. Preliminary test results were received late on Saturday.

Scene ... a healthcare worker at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital has tested positive for Ebola after a preliminary test. Picture: AP Source: AP

“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.”

Victim ... Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan died in the US. Picture: AP Source: AP

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.

If confirmed by the CDC, the health care worker’s case would mark the first known transmission of Ebola in the US.

Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person diagnosed with Ebola in the US, died on Wednesday in Dallas.