Health officials in Texas say they are monitoring a second person who could have the Ebola virus, a man who had close contact with the first person to be diagnosed with the disease in the United States.

According to a story from WFAA-TV, officials say there has been no confirmation of a second case, but, as a precaution, are monitoring the man.

There is NOT a 2nd confirmed case of #Ebola in Dallas. Everyone who came in contact with the confirmed case is being investigated. — Dallas County HHS (@DCHHS) October 1, 2014

Zachary Thompson, the director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, told Dallas-area residents that at this time the virus is unlikely to spread outside those who came in close contact with the initial patient.

"Let me be real frank to the Dallas County residents: The fact that we have one confirmed case, there may be another case that is a close associate with this particular patient," he said. "So this is real. There should be a concern, but it's contained to the specific family members and close friends at this moment."

According to Time.com, the initial patient, Thomas Eric Duncan, is believed to have come into contact with 12 to 18 people after returning from Liberia.

Duncan has been identified as the man who is being treated for Ebola in Dallas. Duncan did not exhibit symptoms of the disease until after he flew from Liberia to Texas on Sept. 19 to visit friends and family.

Duncan sought treatment on Sept. 26, but was sent home from the hospital. He returned by ambulance on Sept. 28 where he was admitted and placed in isolation.

For the full story, see WFAA-TV.