DALLAS, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Thomas Eric Duncan, the Liberian national who became the first person ever diagnosed with the Ebola virus in the United States, died Wednesday at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.
"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," Texas Health Resources said in a statement.
"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 tested positive for Ebola on Sept. 30 after being turned away by the hospital five days earlier. Since then authorities have identified 10 people who came in direct contact with Duncan while he was potentially contagious, but none tested positive for the deadly virus.
