Second American citizen sent to Germany for Ebola treatment

A US citizen engaged in humanitarian work in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has tested positive for the Ebola virus. This is the second American national to contract the disease during the ongoing outbreak in the DRC and, like the previous case, will be treated in Germany instead of the United States.

The Ebola outbreak, first declared on May 15, is now the third-largest on record and continues to expand. As of July 12, the DRC had reported 1,926 cases and 702 deaths. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebolavirus, a less common variant.

The US government's approach under the Trump administration has involved stringent travel restrictions and a policy of not repatriating citizens infected with or exposed to the virus. This stance has drawn scrutiny, particularly given the availability of multiple US facilities equipped for the safe containment and treatment of Ebola patients.