PRAGUE/TÁBOR - 17 May 2025 - A man of American nationality was admitted to the Bulovka University Hospital on Friday on suspicion of a highly dangerous disease he may have brought to the Czech Republic from his trip to Africa. He arrived in the country on 6 May, transiting through the United States. This was announced today by deputy chief hygienist Matyáš Fošum.
The regional health station immediately took precautionary measures and decided to quarantine 26 people who came into contact with the man. According to Foshum, these are mostly medical personnel. "This is a standard step in cases of suspected highly contagious diseases," he said. At the same time, chief public health officer Barbora Macková reassured the public, saying the risk of the infection spreading is very low. "The potential infections we are considering are not airborne and therefore the chance of community transmission is minimal," she explained.
Samples taken from the hospitalized patient were submitted for laboratory analysis. According to health officials, the results should be available this afternoon. On the basis of these results, a decision will be made on further action, including the possible release of persons from quarantine. The Bulovka hospital is one of the main centres for the isolation and treatment of highly infectious diseases in the Czech Republic. The case is therefore being monitored not only by epidemiologists but also by the management of the Ministry of Health.
Authorities are urging citizens to stay calm and observe hygiene rules. Any changes in the situation will be communicated immediately through official channels.
gnews.cz -GH