Thomas Eric Duncan

Thomas Eric Duncan (1966 – October 8, 2014) was a Liberian citizen who became the first person diagnosed with Ebola virus disease in the United States on September 30, 2014. Duncan, who had been visiting family in Dallas, Texas, had unknowingly contracted the disease in Liberia.

Early Life

Duncan was born in 1966 in Monrovia, Liberia. He attended high school in Liberia and later worked as a personal driver. In the early 2000s, he quit his job and became a contractor for FedEx in Liberia.

Ebola Outbreak

In September 2014, Duncan assisted a pregnant woman in Liberia who later died from Ebola. He became ill shortly after and sought treatment at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas but was initially sent home with antibiotics. He returned to the hospital three days later after his symptoms worsened.

Diagnosis and Treatment

On September 30, 2014, Duncan was diagnosed with Ebola, becoming the first case diagnosed in the U.S. He was treated at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, where he received an experimental antiviral drug, but his condition continued to deteriorate.

Death and Aftermath

Duncan died on October 8, 2014. His death sparked a national conversation about the preparedness of U.S. hospitals to handle Ebola and other infectious diseases. It also led to increased screening procedures at airports and changes in hospital protocols.

Legacy

Duncan's case highlighted the global nature of infectious diseases and the need for vigilance and preparedness. His story continues to be a reminder of the devastating impact of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

See Also

• Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa
• Ebola virus cases in the United States

References

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