First Ebola patient diagnosed in U.S. passes away: hospital officials

HOUSTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua/Sun) -- Thomas Eric Duncan, the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the United States, died Wednesday morning in Dallas, a city in the northern part of the U.S. state of Texas, hospital officials announced.

"It is with profound sadness and heartfelt disappointment that we must inform you of the death of Thomas Eric Duncan this morning at 7:51 a.m. Mr. Duncan succumbed to an insidious disease, Ebola. He fought courageously in this battle. Our professionals, the doctors and nurses in the unit, as well as the entire Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas community, are also grieving his passing. We have offered the family our support and condolences at this difficult time," the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital officials said in a statement.

The 42-year-old Duncan, who left Liberia on Sept. 10 and arrived in the U.S. on Sept. 20, sought medical help on Sept. 27 and was isolated in Dallas on Sept. 28. Two days later, he was confirmed as the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the United States