The Liberian native who had been diagnosed with Ebola in Dallas, Texas, has passed away.
Thomas Eric Duncan was 42 at the time of his death earlier this morning. Duncan had been undergoing treatment at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital since Saturday last, where he was receiving experimental drug brincidofovir. He was also receiving kidney dialysis and was breathing with the help of a ventilator.
In a statement, 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 am. 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 initially admitted to the hospital on September 25th but was sent home, before his condition worsened and he had to be readmitted several days later.
It is believed that Duncan may have contracted the virus in Liberia while taking a gravely ill neighbour to the hospital in a taxi.
