October 9, 2014 (Dallas, TX) Yesterday morning at 7:51 a.m. CT, Mr. Thomas Eric Duncan died after a courageous battle with Ebola. Mr. Duncans family has experienced a personal and profound loss, and we share their grief.
Ebola is an insidious disease that attacks the body in multiple ways. Last Saturday, Oct. 4, Mr. Duncans condition changed from serious to critical and remained critical, as reported in our daily patient updates. Wednesday morning, Oct. 8, his condition deteriorated. In spite of the intensive care he was receiving, his heart stopped. Early in his hospital stay, Mr. Duncan had expressed his wishes to his attending physician that the care team should not perform chest compressions, defibrillation or cardioversion to prolong his life.
Mr. Duncans physicians treated him with the most appropriate and available medical interventions, including the investigative antiviral drug Brincidofovir. After consulting with experts across the country, the CDC, and the FDA, the investigative drug was administered as soon as his physicians determined that his condition warranted it, and as soon as it could be obtained. Mr. Duncan was the first Ebola patient to receive this drug.
The drug ZMapp was not administered to Mr Duncan because it was not available. According to the CDC and the drug manufacturer, it has not been available since August 12, 2014.
Mr. Duncan did not receive the same type of serum transfusion as the patient in Nebraska because his blood type was not compatible with the serum donors.
A team of more than 50 people cared for him in a professional and compassionate manner. An entire 24-bed intensive care unit was secured and dedicated to Mr. Duncans care. The treatment area remains sealed and is being aggressively decontaminated.
In addition, wed like to correct some misconceptions that have been reported about Mr. Duncans first visit. Our care team provided Mr. Duncan with the same high level of attention and care that would be given any patient, regardless of nationality or ability to pay for care. In this case that included a four-hour evaluation and numerous tests. We have a long history of treating a multicultural community in this area.
The nurses, doctors, and team who cared for him, as well as the entire Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas community, grieve the loss of Mr. Duncan.
Wendell Watson Director, Public Relations T: 682.236.6963 | M: 972.342.1538