A US doctor infected with the Ebola virus currently being treated in Berlin is in stable condition, the Charité university hospital said on Wednesday.
The man was doing well, given the circumstances, Leif Erik Sander, director of infectious diseases and critical care at the hospital, said at a press conference. His viral load had declined sharply over the past week, Sander added.
"The patient is relatively stable, and we are really hoping that the situation will continue to stabilize," he said. Sander added that hospital staff were optimistic that the patient would make a complete recovery.
German Health Minister Nina Warken visited the hospital in central Berlin on Wednesday to get an update on the patient's condition. She thanked all involved for the smooth admission and care. She said Germany had not received any further requests to treat Ebola patients.
The patient was admitted to the Charité last week. His wife and children arrived a day later following a request for assistance from the US authorities.
The hospital said that a PCR test had confirmed infection with the Bundibugyo variant of the Ebola virus.
Sander said the patient's wife and children, who are seen as high-risk contacts, remained symptom-free and were in quarantine in the hospital. "To date, we have been unable to confirm Ebola infection in them," he said.
They are to remain in quarantine for 21 days following their last contact with the patient. In the case of the patient, discharge requirements include being symptom-free for at least 72 hours and two consecutive negative tests taken 48 hours apart, Sander said.
