City of Dallas officials gave an update on the Ebola situation via a video update from Dallas City Hall today. Managing Editor at City of Arlington, Sana Syed said, “At this time we are receiving reports that there may be a second case of Ebola, but at this time, we have absolutely no confirmation of that.”

Dallas County, TX map Image/David Benbennick via Wikimedia Commons
Dallas County, TX map
Image/David Benbennick via Wikimedia Commons

In addition, Syed updated the situation on the EMS crew that transported the confirmed Ebola patient on Sunday. “All three crew members did undergo a medical evaluation late last night and they have been sent home. They’ll be monitored closely for the next 21 days and all three have tested negative for Ebola”, Syed said.

The City of Dallas has activated their Emergency Operations Center and is on Level 2: High Readiness after receiving confirmation that Dallas has the first diagnosed Ebola case in the nation. Follow latest updates on Twitter @1500Marilla and on Facebook at Dallas City Hall.

The Dallas Independent School District (ISD) announced today that they were made aware that five students that attend four district schools may have had contact with the individual who was recently diagnosed with the Ebola virus. Those schools are Emmett J. Conrad High School, Sam Tasby Middle School, L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School and Dan D. Rogers Elementary.

The impacted students are currently not showing any symptoms and are under close observation by the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department. As a precautionary measure, the students have been advised to stay home from school. Since the students are not presenting any symptoms, there is nothing to suggest that the disease was spread to others including students and staff.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry today joined state and local health officials at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital to inform the public of the measures being taken to guard the public’s health following the first diagnosed case of Ebola in the United States.

Below are excerpts from Gov. Perry’s remarks today.

“Over the past 24 hours, I’ve been in close communication with the director of the CDC, Dr. Tom Frieden, as well as all appropriate Texas state health officials, who are working closely with their local and federal partners to manage this very serious case.”

“There are few places in the world better equipped to meet the challenges posed by this case.”

“Texas is one of only 13 states certified by the CDC to conduct diagnostic Ebola testing and we have health care institutions and professionals who are second to none.”

“Professionals on every level of the chain of command know what to do to minimize any potential risk to the people of Texas.”

“As he works toward a full recovery our thoughts and prayers are with the patient and his family”