Czech Republic to receive U.S. citizen for preventive Ebola observation

BERLIN, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Republic will receive a U.S. citizen who had contact with an Ebola-infected person in Uganda, the Czech Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday, noting that it's for precautionary purposes.

The individual, identified as a U.S. doctor, has not been confirmed to have the disease and currently shows no symptoms.

The move follows a request from the United States for preventive observation, the ministry said, noting that the Czech Republic was approached due to its international reputation in infectious medicine and long-term cooperation with leading foreign clinics.

The ministry ruled out any risk to the Czech public as all transport and care will follow strict protocols and maximum security measures.

The incubation period for Ebola ranges from two to 21 days.

This preventive measure comes as neighboring Germany is already dealing with a confirmed case. In the early hours of Wednesday, another U.S. citizen, who was infected with the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was admitted to the Charite hospital in Berlin. As close contacts, his five family members will also be transported to Germany for observation. Enditem