An American citizen who tested positive for Ebola, along with six others who were exposed to the virus, is being transported to Germany for specialised medical treatment as deaths from the latest outbreak continue to climb.
Germany Chosen for Treatment
Germany was selected for its internationally recognised facilities for treating viral hemorrhagic fevers and its shorter flight times compared to the United States, according to Heidi Overton, deputy director at the White House Domestic Policy Council.
Missionary Exposed
The Serge Christian mission organisation earlier confirmed that one of its medical missionaries, Dr. Peter Stafford, was exposed while treating patients at Nyankunde Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr. Stafford was among three missionaries, including his wife, who were caring for patients. The other two remain asymptomatic.
This case is linked to a new Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which has alarmed health experts due to its late detection and rapid spread. As of Tuesday, there were 131 suspected deaths and 531 suspected cases reported.
CDC Response
In response to the outbreak, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has banned some travellers from entering the United States and is deploying technical experts from its Atlanta headquarters to the affected region.
President Trump has expressed concern over the outbreak after the American tested positive for the deadly virus.
