A Texas health care worker who provided care for Thomas Eric Duncan has been confirmed by health officials to be the second case of Ebola diagnosed in the United States, officials reported Sunday.

The healthcare worker, whose identity remains unknown, works at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and was one of the people who attended to Duncan, the first Ebola victim to die in the U.S.

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The worker reported a fever late Friday.

After reporting having a fever, the worker was isolated and was referred to a laboratory in Austin for testing, where preliminary test results revealed that it was a case of Ebola, according to a statement released by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it will conduct further tests to verify that it really is an Ebola-related case.

Dr. David Lackey, the Texas health service commissioner, said health officials knew it was possible that there could be a second case of the virus.

"We've been preparing for this possibility," Lackey said.

Lackey added that their Dallas team is increasing its efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus.

If the CDC is able to verify that the health worker has Ebola, it will be the first reported case of a transmission in the United States.

Health officials said that those who had contact to the worker are now being traced and will be monitored depending on their level of exposure to the worker.

According to Dr. Daniel Varga, officer at the Texas health department, the worker was wearing protective gear, including a mask, gloves and a gown, while providing care for Duncan.

Duncan was reportedly treated by in an isolated unit by more than 50 people, according to hospital officials.

The announcement of the newest Ebola case on Sunday will test the readiness of the U.S. health care system, which said they have been expecting Ebola in the U.S. and were ready to contain it.

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