Central Texas Quarantine
Fort Hood soldier found dead after returning from Ebola mission in West Africa
A Fort Hood soldier who recently returned from West Africa has been found dead in his Killeen apartment, the Fort Hood Public Affairs office said on Tuesday.
The solider, who officials have yet to name, came back to Central Texas earlier this month after taking part in an Ebola relief mission in Liberia. The cause of death has not been determined.
According to officials, the soldier had been redeployed to Liberia but then returned to Killeen for non-medical, family leave. Once back in Central Texas, he was mandated to monitor himself twice a day and report his findings to health officials. According to KXXV-TV, an ABC-affiliate in Killeen, the solider was also being monitored prior to leaving West Africa.
"At this point, there is no indication of the Ebola virus disease, but medical tests are underway to ensure there is no threat to the community," officials said in a statement. The soldier's body has been sent to Dallas for an autopsy.
KXXV-TV also reports that a hazmat crew was on the scene to remove the soldier's body.
More than 500 Fort Hood soldiers are currently in West Africa in an effort to combat the spread of the deadly virus. In addition to building Ebola treatment centers, the soldiers are tasked with building life-support units for other U.S. troops.
