2014 Ebola virus cases in the United States facts for kids
On September 30, 2014, the first case of Ebola virus disease was found in the United States. This person was Thomas Eric Duncan, a 42-year-old man from Liberia. Before Duncan's case, three other Americans had already been brought back from Africa for special medical care. They were treated in the U.S. for Ebola during a big outbreak in West Africa. Two of these people were treated at Emory University Hospital in a special isolated room. The third person was treated at Nebraska Medical Center.
Who Was Thomas Eric Duncan?
Thomas Eric Duncan was visiting his family in Dallas, Texas. He had traveled from Liberia. Duncan received medical care at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. By October 4, his health became much worse. He was in a very serious condition. On that same day, Duncan started taking an experimental medicine called brincidofovir. However, his condition did not improve. Sadly, on October 8, Duncan died from Ebola virus disease.
Images for kids
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Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, where Duncan was treated.
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President Obama hugs Nina Pham at the White House. She was a nurse from Dallas who survived Ebola.
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This is an Aeromedical Biological Containment System (ABCS). It's the same type used to move Nina Pham and Amber Vinson to special isolation units.
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The Monrovia Medical Unit had 25 beds. It was built to help healthcare workers during Operation United Assistance.
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People arriving from Sierra Leone were checked for Ebola at Chicago's O'Hare airport.
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Inside the isolation tent used by University Hospital in New Jersey. It was used to keep Kaci Hickox separate from others.
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A hallway in the NIH Special Clinical Studies Unit. This is a special unit that can safely contain dangerous diseases. The rooms on the left are special entry rooms that lead to patient rooms.
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