American working in Congo tests positive for Ebola, CDC says

A person from the United States has tested positive for Ebola in connection to the deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday.

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The person was exposed as part of their work in Congo, developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive late Sunday, according to Dr. Satish Pillai, the CDC’s Ebola response incident manager.

“CDC has been working hand in hand with the Department of State to move the American for treatment and care to Germany and other high-risk contacts to Germany for monitoring,” Pillai said Monday in a press briefing.

In addition to the one symptomatic person, six other Americans are being moved for treatment or observation. The Bundibugyo virus involved in the outbreak leads to a rare type of Ebola for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

The CDC said Monday that is restricting entry into the country for non-U.S. passport holders who have been in Uganda, the DRC or South Sudan in the past 21 days.

“To the American public: The risk to the United States remains low. Travelers to the region should avoid contact with sick people, report symptoms immediately and follow our travel guidance,” Pillai said.

The World Health Organization on Saturday declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. More than 330 suspected cases and at least 88 suspected deaths have been reported, mostly in Congo, though also in Uganda.