Dallas Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan has died

Dallas Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan has died, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital announced Wednesday morning.

“It is with profound sadness and heartfelt disappointment that we must inform you of the death of Thomas Eric Duncan this morning at 7:51 am,” the hospital said in a release. “Mr. Duncan succumbed to an insidious disease.”

“He fought courageously in this battle. 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. We have offered the family our support and condolences at this difficult time.”

Duncan arrived in Dallas Sept. 20 from Liberia and fell ill a few days later. He was sent home after an initial visit to the emergency room, but taken back to the hospital Sept. 28 and has been kept in isolation ever since.

Others in Dallas could be in danger as officials try to contain the virus that has ravaged West Africa, killing thousands of people. Officials say 10 people had direct contact with Duncan while he was contagious.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.