A Fort Hood soldier found dead Tuesday who had recently returned from West Africa tested negative for Ebola, officials said Tuesday.
The 24-year-old man, whose name has not been released, had been among a group of 87 soldiers who returned to the Texas post last week after spending two months in West Africa to help combat the Ebola outbreak. He was found dead outside his off-post residence.
Food Hood officials confirmed that he had recently returned from West Africa, and there were no indications that he had Ebola. The soldier had been granted an emergency leave that was not medically related and was self-monitoring for Ebola at his off-post home.
“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,” the Fort Hood statement said.
A hazmat team from the nearby town of Killeen, Texas, was on the scene, which has since been isolated. Precautionary tests are being run at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center on the post, according to KCEN-TV, the local NBC affiliate.
The U.S. has sent roughly 3,000 troops to West Africa to help with the outbreak of the deadly disease, but were said to be there in a supportive role, having no interactions with infected patients.
