The Transportation Security Agency confirms that one of its agents conducted a routine pat-down of Amber Vinson, the 29-year-old Dallas nurse who was diagnosed with Ebola after flying out of Cleveland and returning to Texas. The pat-down by the TSA agent was conducted on October 13.
Vinson was one of many healthcare workers who treated Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person to be diagnosed with Ebola in the U.S. Duncan, a native of Liberia, died of Ebola on October 8. Vinson travelled to Northeast Ohio from Dallas, landing at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on October 10. She departed on October 13.
The TSA issued a statement about the Cleveland agent, stating:
"Out of an abundance of caution, a Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officer who conducted a routine pat-down of a traveler later reported to be infected with Ebola consulted with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The employee is not reporting any symptoms. The employee was instructed by CDC to self-monitor over the next few days, as a precautionary measure. TSA also has assigned its chief medical officer to our employee to provide additional support.
No Cleveland TSA officer came in direct contact with the infected traveler, as all pat-downs are completed while employees are wearing disposable medical gloves."
The TSA agent is now on paid leave as a precautionary measure.