Statement by Gov. Perry on Second Dallas Hospital Worker Diagnosed with Ebola

Gov. Rick Perry today released the following statement in response to a second Dallas health care provider being diagnosed with the Ebola Virus.

"The diagnosis of a second health care worker in Dallas reaffirms what a formidable foe this virus is.

"I am in daily contact with Dr. Brett Giroir and Dr. David Lakey and earlier today spoke with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell to ensure state and federal management of this issue is tightly coordinated.

"This is the first time that our nation has had to deal with a threat such as this. Everyone working on this challenge - from the medical professionals at the bedside to the public health officials addressing containment of the infection - is working to end the threat posed by this disease. These individuals are keeping the health and safety of Texans and the needs of the patients as their most critical tasks. Every relevant agency at the local, state and national levels is working to support these individuals.

"I have great faith that we will succeed in this important mission; once we have put it behind us we will be the stronger for it and more prepared to meet the kinds of challenges that we as Americans are uniquely prepared to face."

NOTE: Gov. Perry's Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response is meeting today to discuss recommendations that have been suggested to improve how Texas addresses the treatment and response to this type of disease. The governor will review recommendations and take action on those determined to benefit preparedness and response efforts.