Epidemiological update: second healthcare worker in the US tests positive for Ebola
The third nosocomial transmission in countries outside West Africa was confirmed today.
A second healthcare worker at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, who provided care for the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the United States, has tested positive for the disease.
The healthcare worker reported fever on Tuesday 14 October and was immediately isolated at the hospital. A preliminary test was positive and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta are currently performing a confirmatory test on a separate specimen.
This is the third nosocomial transmission in countries outside the affected area in West Africa, after a healthcare worker in Dallas and a healthcare worker in Spain were infected.
The sixth update of ECDC's Rapid Risk Assessment provides options for risk reduction and underlines the need to prepare for the early detection and appropriate management of cases who may arise among returning travellers after an asymptomatic incubation period of up to three weeks.
