Uganda returnee with suspected Ebola symptoms transferred to Vienna clinic

A woman returning from Uganda has been admitted to Vienna's Klinik Favoriten due to suspected Ebola symptoms, raising public health concerns. The patient arrived in Upper Austria on Monday and was transferred to the specialized clinic on Thursday via a "specialized infection transport."

“

After the transport, the vehicle will be decontaminated at the hygiene center of the Wiener Gesundheitsdienst (MA 15), and there is no danger.

Vienna's health authorities emphasized that the transfer occurred under the highest safety and hygiene standards. Following the transport, the vehicle underwent decontamination, ensuring no risk to the public. The immediate focus is on ruling out Ebola and identifying an alternative diagnosis.

“

The next steps are to rule out an Ebola diagnosis and find an alternative diagnosis. The team will start the testing and measures immediately.

Klinik Favoriten houses Austria's only special intensive care units designed for treating highly pathogenic infectious agents. These units feature multi-stage airlocks and negative pressure systems to contain potential pathogens. Medical staff are highly trained and utilize comprehensive protective gear to minimize infection risks.

“

I assume that she (the patient) will recover, because we are here in Vienna and have truly excellent treatment options that do not exist elsewhere.

Dr. Christoph Wenisch, head of infectious and tropical diseases at the clinic, stated that if the Ebola suspicion is confirmed, the patient would receive treatment there. He expressed confidence in Vienna's advanced treatment capabilities, noting that while the patient would be treated symptomatically, participation in WHO-initiated studies for monoclonal antibodies is also a possibility. Wenisch also provided basic information about the Ebola virus, explaining its transmission and the potential for viral mutation.

“

One is to treat the syndrome itself, i.e., with supportive therapy to avoid complications of the infection. The second consideration is whether to participate in a study of two different monoclonal antibodies initiated by the WHO, which are currently in the testing stages.