BERLIN, May 19 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. citizen infected with the Ebola virus during a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will receive treatment at Berlin's Charite hospital, German public broadcaster ARD reported Tuesday.
The patient is being transferred to Germany at the request of the United States. Germany's specialized medical capabilities and the shorter transport distance from the affected region were cited as key reasons for the arrangement.
German authorities said there is no risk to the public.
Six people identified as high-risk contacts of the patient will also be brought to Germany for observation, according to the report.
German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan described the outbreak in Africa as "extremely serious" and said Germany plans to deliver 500 protective suits next week.
She added that Germany is prepared to provide further assistance, including training programs for handling suspected Ebola cases. ■
