Ebola virus in the US: Calls for calm after America’s first Ebola case

The White House issued a factsheet reminding Americans the virus can only be spread via blood and bodily fluids

Health officials in the US have vowed to “stop Ebola in its tracks” after a patient was diagnosed with the deadly virus on American soil for the first time.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that an unnamed man being treated at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas had tested positive for Ebola.

Authorities moved quickly to quell fears. The White House issued a factsheet reminding Americans the virus can only be spread via blood and bodily fluids. The CDC director, Dr Thomas Frieden, said: “I have no doubt that we will control this importation of this case of Ebola so that it does not spread widely in this country.”

The critically ill patient is believed to have been infected in Liberia before travelling to the US on 19 September to visit relatives. He first exhibited symptoms on 24 September, and was admitted to the hospital on Sunday. Investigators are working to identify and interview anyone with whom he came into contact while infectious.

Dallas health officials said yesterday that no new cases had been found.