Texas Ebola Patient Thomas Eric Duncan Dies

Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person to be diagnosed in the United States with Ebola, lost his battle with the disease Wednesday.

According to a hospital spokesperson, Duncan was pronounced dead at 7:51 a.m. at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.

"He fought courageously in this battle," hospital officials said in a statement. "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."

What are doctors saying is the reason Duncan didn't make it? CBN News Medical Reporter Lorie Johnson has details.

"We have offered the family our support and condolences at this difficult time," the Texas Health Resources statement read.

Duncan, who contracted the virus in his native country of Liberia, showed no signs of sickness when he departed for the United States. Nevertheless, he fell ill several days after arriving in Dallas.

Health officials say right now is a very sensitive time, meaning if any of the 48 people he came into contact with are going to get the disease, they will likely start showing symptoms very soon.

Duncan's case has raised questions about whether U.S. health authorities are adequately prepared to defend the homeland against the insidious epidemic.

"The past week has been an enormous test of our health system…" Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, said in statement. "We'll continue every effort to contain the spread of the virus and protect people from this threat."

Meanwhile, new procedures are being implemented at U.S. airports in an effort stop the spread of the virus.

Homeland Security Department has ordered agents to monitor everyone arriving in the United States for signs of Ebola.

In addition, Border Protection agents will be passing out fact sheets to travelers detailing what symptoms to look out for.