As many as 100 people may have had contact with the Liberian man who returned to the U.S. carrying the Ebola virus, Texas public health officials said Thursday.
Four of those 100, at least two who are family members, are now legally required to remain at home until Oct. 19, which is enough time for the incubation period to pass, reported The Washington Post. The four are also required to provide blood samples, report symptoms and agree to any other necessary testing. No visitors are allowed inside the apartment without prior approval.
The quarantined individuals were apparently non-compliant with the request to stay home, according to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, the top-elected official in Dallas County. "I don't want to go too far beyond that," he added.
A law enforcement officer is patrolling the apartment complex visited by Duncan to ensure the quarantined individuals abide by the order.
Meanwhile, Texas officials continue to reinforce that only the Liberian man, Thomas Eric Duncan, has so far exhibited Ebola symptoms. Duncan was the first person in the U.S. diagnosed with the disease.
"The only person who's had symptoms is Mr. Duncan, who's in the hospital," Jenkins said during a news conference Thursday. "And no one who has been around Mr. Duncan in the time he has been symptomatic has shown any indication of having contracted Ebola."
The list of 100 people who may have been exposed to Duncan are currently being assessed and interviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of who are only "potential, possible contacts," according to the CDC.
It has yet to be determined exactly how many people had direct contact with Duncan, but the number is likely to be well below the current list of possible contacts.
Three Dallas Fire-Rescue Department crew members who took Duncan to the hospital have also been asked to remain at home for the three week period, reported The Washington Post.
Duncan reportedly lied on an airport questionnaire by saying he had not cared for an Ebola patient or touched anyone who had died from the disease, according to ABC News, and now Liberian officials plan to prosecute the native man.
Duncan's neighbors back home in Liberia said they believe he became infected after transporting a sick, pregnant neighbor.
