Today Texas state health officials announced that 43 people who had contact with the first Ebola patient, Thomas Eric Duncan, are now cleared from twice-daily monitoring after reaching the 21-day incubation period. No one in the group, which includes health care workers, household contacts and community members has any Ebola symptoms. Health care officials say none are at risk of developing the disease.
Among the 43 off the list are three EMS workers who transported Duncan to the hospital on Sept. 28. All three are in great spirits and looking forward to returning to their normal lives. All three have declined media interviews.
An additional group of people are also being monitored for symptoms because they were passengers on one of two Frontier flights that carried one of the health care workers later diagnosed with Ebola. A small group of passengers considered to be at higher risk of exposure has been directed to stay home.
