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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The North Texas patient now confirmed to have Ebola arrived in the DFW area 10 days ago. We know he started suffering symptoms four days later and on the 26th sought healthcare for the first time.

After going to a local emergency room the patient was sent home with antibiotics because he didn’t present symptoms of the flu or any other contagious, serious illness. On September 28 the man was taken to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital by ambulance — where he’s been ever since.

Earlier Tuesday CDC officials said the patient was critically ill, but the hospital won’t comment on his condition citing patient privacy. They did tell CBS 11 News however that the patient is communicating with them and able to easily express when he is hungry.

It was only after the patient arrived back at Presbyterian Hospital on Sunday that health workers checked his travel history and started trying to determine if he could possibly have Ebola.

Tuesday night, the patient remained in a special isolation unit of the Intensive Care unit and was being watched through a glass wall. Doctors say an important part of his treatment includes making sure he is well hydrated.

Staff at Presbyterian Hospital had been following the Ebola threat closely for months; they not only planned for a case, but also had a crisis preparedness meeting just a week before the man showed up in the ER.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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