An American doctor infected with a rare strain of the Ebola virus has been airlifted to Berlin for treatment. Dr Peter Stafford was transported from BER airport under heavy police escort to the Charité university hospital, one of Germany's most advanced isolation facilities.
The 56-year-old medical missionary contracted the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola while treating patients at Nyankunde Hospital near Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was accompanied by his wife and five other close contacts.
Charité's specialized high-level isolation unit (SIS) is completely separate from regular hospital operations, with dedicated air filtration, wastewater treatment, and specially trained staff. The unit plays a critical role in Germany's epidemic preparedness.
The current outbreak has triggered a WHO public health emergency. Over 500 suspected cases and more than 130 deaths have been reported in Congo and Uganda. US health authorities have imposed travel restrictions for travelers from affected regions.