CDC lab tech monitored after possible exposure to Ebola

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that a technician working in the agency’s Atlanta laboratory was being monitored for symptoms after possibly being exposed to the deadly Ebola virus.

The Associated Press noted that CDC spokeswoman Barbara Reynolds said the potential exposure occurred on Tuesday when the tech came in contact with a vial containing an active sample of Ebola.

So far, the tech, who has not been identified, has not shown any signs of the disease, but will be monitored for 21 days.

FoxNews.com reported that the possible exposure is now under investigation.

"I am troubled by this incident in our Ebola research laboratory in Atlanta," CDC Director Tom Frieden said. "We are monitoring the health of one technician who could possibly have been exposed and I have directed that there be a full review of every aspect of the incident and that CDC take all necessary measures."

Ebola has claimed the lives of more than 7,500 people, mostly in the West African nations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since last March and is the worst outbreak in history.