Four close relatives of an Ebola patient hospitalized in Dallas have been formally told to stay home and not have visitors to help prevent spread of the disease.
The Texas Department of State Health Services on Thursday announced the legal order for the family of Thomas Eric Duncan, who recently flew to Dallas from Liberia.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said Thursday that the four "were noncompliant with the request to stay home, " though he did not specify where they went.
“We have tried and true protocols to protect the public and stop the spread of this disease,” said Dr. David Lakey, Texas health commissioner. “This order gives us the ability to monitor the situation in the most meticulous way.”
Duncan has been hospitalized since Sunday. Health experts on Tuesday diagnosed him with Ebola, which can be deadly.
Dallas County Health and Human Services officials previously told the four individuals, whose names weren't released, to stay home. A public health control order is needed to ensure compliance. The orders were hand-delivered Wednesday night.
According to a news release from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the family is required to provide blood samples and any other testing needed by public health officials. They must also immediately report any symptoms to Dallas County Health and Human Services.
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The four, who have not shown symptoms, must stay home until at least Oct. 19 when the Ebola incubation period has passed.
If the family does not follow these orders, they can face criminal charges, according to the news release.
