American with Ebola being flown to Germany for treatment

An American who tested positive for Ebola after being exposed while working in DRC is being flown to Germany for treatment, according to the CDC. Six other people identified as high-risk contacts are also expected to be moved to Europe and placed under quarantine.

The case was first reported on Monday, and CDC officials said during a briefing on Tuesday that the infected person was in transit to Germany for care. Local media reported that the patient will be treated at Charité hospital in Berlin.

“At present, the key issue here is ensuring the treatment is initiated rapidly and appropriately,” a CDC official said, adding that Germany was selected because of its proximity and access to high-level care.

The CDC said six additional people identified as high-risk contacts are having their travel plans finalized and will also be moved to Europe. Officials said they will remain in quarantine during their monitoring period.

CDC officials initially said the contacts would be moved to Europe, including Germany, before adding that they were working with another host country for one of the individuals. The seventh person is expected to be hosted by the Czech Republic.

The agency also announced an order suspending entry into the United States for certain people from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan who have been in those countries within the past 21 days because of the Ebola outbreak.

CDC officials said the agency issued two travel health notices, including raising the DRC notice to Level 3 and recommending against all non-essential travel to Ituri and North Kivu provinces.

“The risk to the United States remains low,” a CDC official said. Travelers to the affected areas should avoid contact with sick people, report symptoms immediately and follow travel guidance.