Texas state officials will be cremating the body of Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person in the United Stated to have died of Ebola, in accordance with federal protocol.

Duncan, 42, died at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas on Wednesday, 10 days after he was admitted into the hospital.

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According to Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, the quantity of virus increases when someone dies, but cremation would kill the virus.

Following the cremation, Duncan's ashes will be returned to his family, who will no longer have to wear protective clothing.

In an email sent to USA Today, Christine Mann, of the Texas Department of Health Services, said Duncan's body have already been transported for cremation.

However, no further information about the time or location of the cremation will be disclosed to the public, according to Mann

Under the guidelines given by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the body of a person who died from the Ebola virus must be wrapped in plastic and placed in two disinfected leak-proof bags.

The medical staff who will seal the body must be wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, at all times.

Duncan's remains was not autopsied to prevent further spread of the virus. According to the CDC, the infection rate is greater if the person carrying the virus is dead.

The remains will not be embalmed before the cremation or burial, but the mortuary personnel will still be asked to wear protective gear while preparing the body.

Hearse drivers, on the other hand, will not be required to wear protective gear, after the body has already been prepared.

Texas health commissioner David Lackey, said they sympathize with the family and will make sure that Duncan's body will be handled with respect and dignity, while at the same time making sure that the remains will not be at risk of infecting others.

Although Duncan's family were allowed to see his body, they were denied to practice their West African burial rights, which involved family members to prepare the remains of their loved ones.

Tagswhat is ebola, texas ebola patient, Thomas Eric Duncan, Ebola Virus