During the 2014 West African Ebola epidemic, the case of Thomas Eric Duncan led to the infection of a nurse in his care. This case, along with the initial misdiagnosis, highlighted the necessity for US hospitals to provide medical personnel with additional training to contain the virus and prevent a potential domestic outbreak.

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The 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa was an unprecedented outbreak that dwarfed other human Ebola epidemics in mortality, resulting in 10,179 deaths out of 24,666 reported suspected or confirmed cases.

2014 West African Ebola Epidemic

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Ebola Transmission and Prevention in US Hospitals

The case of Thomas Eric Duncan in 2014 illustrates the timeline and transmission of Ebola. Nine days after helping transport an Ebola-stricken neighbor in Liberia, Duncan developed symptoms, corresponding to the virus's non-contagious eclipse period. He was initially misdiagnosed with sinusitis at a Dallas hospital and sent home, but returned two days later when his condition deteriorated and blood tests confirmed Ebola. He was quarantined but died several days later, prompting a back trace where public health officials monitored 10 high-risk and 50 low-risk contacts, none of whom contracted the disease.

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