Obama speaks to New York leaders about Ebola case

President Obama told New York officials Thursday that the federal government will help contain the newest Ebola case in New York City.

"The President noted the extensive preparations that New York City and, in particular, Bellevue Hospital Center, where the patient is being treated, have undertaken to prepare for this contingency," the White House said in a statement.

A New York doctor who treated Ebola patients in West Africa tested positive for the virus Thursday, the fourth Ebola case diagnosed in the United States.

Obama had separate phone calls with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"They discussed the deployment of officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of whom were already on the ground in New York City," the White House said.

Obama offered whatever federal help is necessary "to provide the highest standard of patient care, maintain the strictest safety protocols for healthcare workers, and to identify and, as necessary, monitor any contacts of the patient potentially at risk of exposure," the White House said.

The White House added:

"The President expressed that his thoughts and prayers are with the patient and concluded the call by asking the Governor and Mayor to remain in close contact with his team, including Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, Ebola Response Coordinator Ron Klain, and CDC Director Tom Frieden."