Dallas health officials said more than 80 people in the area whom patient Thomas Eric Duncan met or had contact with are being monitored for Ebola symptoms.

Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Erikka Neroes said people who experience Ebola symptoms should report to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. They could also report the matter to health authorities in Texas.

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Early symptoms of the deadly virus include high temperature and other flu-like signs.

Neroes said through a telephone interview that the members of Duncan’s family have been ordered to stay at home until October 19. They were also advised against having visitors to prevent any possible spread of the virus. Neroes added that none of the members of the family have showed Ebola symptoms.

Health officials have been tracking 12 to 18 people with whom Duncan has had close contact. Their goal is to identify immediately anyone who could possibly become sick of the virus. Health officials are ready to isolate those who could be infected.

Duncan was isolated on September 28 at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, after he came to the hospital reporting he had been ill for a few days. The hospital’s front desk revealed that Duncan had been there two days before but was sent home even when he had told a nurse that he recently came back to the US from Africa.

Dallas residents became worried about the days when Duncan was outside the health facility. Dallas Independent School District spokesman Andre Riley said parents were very concerned about the patient’s condition, while others want information about the matter.

Riley said four men wearing protective suits went to Dallas’ Dan D. Rogers Elementary School and disinfected the area after at least one exposed student was identified to be studying at the school. The group was a part of the team conducting disinfection of areas where students were identified to have been exposed to the carrier.

TagsDallas Texas, Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Erikka Neroes, Thomas Eric Duncan, Dan D. Rogers Elementary School, Andre Riley, allas Independent School District