The first patient to contract Ebola in the U.S. has been identified as 26-year old Nina Pham. The nurse closely assisted Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian National who was diagnosed with the virus in a Texas Hospital.
Pham was not one of the 48 people the CDC is monitoring. But she was self –monitoring when she reported her “low grade fever” Saturday night. And was subsequently diagnosed with the virus.
Nina grew up in Forth Worth Texas. She graduated with a nursing degree in 2010 from Texas Christian University. Her friends and family describe her as “compassionate”, “big hearted” and very dedicated to nursing.
She is currently in critical but stable condition. The family has stated how important her dog is to her, who has been taken to a separate location and is also being monitored.
Here is a picture of Nina and her dog via twitter
#BREAKING: Nina Pham, 26, is the nurse being treated for #Ebola. This image is provided by her family. pic.twitter.com/qzlYDrMSvx
— Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) October 13, 2014
She was exposed to the disease, most likely, after handling protective gear or equipment. Thomas Friedman, Director of Centers for Disease Control, spoke in a press conference Sunday;
At some point, there was a breach in protocol, and that breach in protocol resulted in this infection,” he said at a news conference Sunday. “The (Ebola treatment) protocols work. … But we know that even a single lapse or breach can result in infection.” Reported CNN.
The CDC is monitoring all health care workers and Nurses that came into contract with Duncan during his time at Texas Health Presbyterian. Tom Friedman, Director stated there is a chance the workers have contaminated themselves. Nina who had multiple encounters with Duncan was wearing protective gear, including a gown, gloves, and masks.
Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, said in a statement Sunday morning.
“We knew a second case could be a reality, and we’ve been preparing for this possibility,”
