WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 -- A 30-member military team that could be called on to respond to new cases of Ebola in the United States has begun a week of specialized training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, a Pentagon spokesman said on Wednesday.

The training will include infection control and how to use the type of personal protective gear needed to respond to Ebola cases, Steve Warren told reporters at a Pentagon press conference.

At the request of the Department of Health and Human Services, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered U.S. Northern Command to establish a military team that could respond quickly, effectively and safely in the event of new cases of Ebola in the country. The unit is composed of nurses, doctors and trainers who specialize in infectious diseases.

"While several members of this team are already trained in infectious disease protocols, they will all receive training on health protection measures specific to Ebola," Warren said.

Once trained, the team will remain in a "prepare to deploy" status, Warren said, available to be sent to other locations within the continental United States as requested by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Pressure on the U.S. administration to combat Ebola inside the country has intensified in recent days after a second nurse was diagnosed with the deadly virus, which originated from West Africa.