A health care worker in Texas who cared for the Ebola patient Thomas Duncan has tested positive for the deadly virus in a preliminary test, health officials say.
The worker at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital helped to look after Thomas Eric Duncan, who died on Wednesday in Dallas after being the first person diagnosed with Ebola in the US.
Dr David Varga, of the Texas Health Resource, said the healthcare worker was in full protective gear when they provided care to Mr Duncan during his second visit to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital
He did not identify the worker, who is in a stable condition, and said the family of the worker have "requested total privacy".
A statement posted on the Texas Department of State Health Service's website Sunday says "confirmatory testing will be conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta."
Officials say the health care worker reported a low grade fever Friday night and was isolated and referred for testing. Preliminary test results were received late Saturday.
David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, says officials have "been preparing for this possibility."
Health officials have interviewed the patient and are identifying any contacts or potential exposures.
The scene at Los Angeles International Airport as the US announced increased passenger screenings
Preliminary test results were received late Saturday.
"We knew a second case could be a reality, and we've been preparing for this possibility," said Lakey. "We are broadening our team in Dallas and working with extreme diligence to prevent further spread."
Health officials said people who had contact with the health care worker after symptoms emerged will be monitored based on the nature of their interactions and the potential they were exposed to the virus.