(
MyFoxBoston.com) -- A national showdown over a mandatory Ebola quarantine is happening in New England.
A nurse from Maine says she's not sick and vows to fight officials who want her to stay inside her home. On Thursday morning, the issue could go to court.
Kaci Hickox stepped outside of her house last night in an act of defiance, claiming her civil rights are being violated. The 33-year-old says she'll give the state of Maine until Thursday morning to lift the 21-day home quarantine requirement. If they don't, she'll seek legal action.
The state says if Hickox doesn't comply, then they'll take her to court.
Earlier this month, Hickox served with Doctors Without Borders in Sierra Leone, she returned to the United States on October 24 and was put under quarantine after screeners at the airport determined she had a fever. Hickox claims she was distressed and a little bit upset at the airport, so her cheeks were flushed and she was warm, but she never had a fever.
Hickox insists she has felt fine and that she's twice tested negative for Ebola, but Maine health officials claim the quarantine is necessary. Officials claim that people can test negative, believe they are not symptomatic, but quickly developed symptoms while they are out in the public.
Health officials claim the 21-day quarantine is a reasonable request, but Hickox says that the U.S. Constitution and science are on her side and vows to challenge any legal action.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced yesterday that all U.S. troops returning from Ebola stricken nations will undergo a 21-day quarantine.
Hickox says she will pursue legal action if the quarantine isn't lifted as of Thursday morning. Police say they will monitor her movements if she does leave her home.
