Dallas Ebola Patient Thomas Eric Duncan Has Died

The United States' first Ebola patient, Thomas Eric Duncan, died Wednesday morning, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital said in a statement. Duncan flew into the U.S. from Liberia, bringing the virus along with him, to marry his girlfriend. He was quarantined at the hospital and given experimental treatments, because supplies for WHO-approved drug ZMapp had run out.

The hospital said:

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 was admitted to the hospital on September 28, and it was confirmed he had contracted the disease two days later.

The commissioner of the hospital, Dr. David Lakey, also made 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. The doctors, nurses, and staff at Presbyterian provided excellent and compassionate care, but Ebola is a disease that attacks the body in many ways. We'll continue every effort to contain the spread of the virus and protect people from this threat.

Duncan's host family has been quarantined, along with his belongings.

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