Drama over Ebola; Everyone is on alert: A special capsule is ready

“It is a matter of certain solidarity, a certain international agreement. It is probably logistically more convenient for this man than transport to the United States,” the infectious disease specialist explained at the beginning of the program, referring to the reason why Minister Vojtěch made such a decision.

The minister himself later told journalists at an emergency press conference.

“I am convinced that we should help our partners and allies, that this is a principle of solidarity, and we never know when we ourselves might need such help in the future,” said Vojtěch, adding that there is currently no risk to Czech citizens and that the Czech Republic will not bear any costs related to the treatment of the American citizen.

“We agreed with the American side that the United States will cover all costs related to this hospitalization. It is clear that this will not be a cheap matter. The quarantine will last three weeks in a specialized unit,” added Adam Vojtěch.

“We are ready for it”

According to infectious disease specialist Pavel Dlouhý, the Czech Republic is prepared for such a situation and has the necessary equipment to provide such care. The infectious diseases clinic at Bulovka Hospital is equipped with special isolation units designed for highly contagious diseases.

“Dozens of millions of crowns have been invested in top-tier equipment that is absolutely excellent and can prevent the spread of infection from the patient outside the building. So we are ready for it, and I assume that is precisely why the government decided to provide this assistance,” the doctor explained.

A real test of capability

His words were also confirmed by Health Minister Adam Vojtěch at a press conference regarding the admission of the American patient.

“The United States itself reached out to the Czech Republic due to the outstanding reputation of the Infectious Diseases Clinic at Bulovka Hospital.”

“The team at Bulovka is well trained. They regularly practice all procedures, putting on protective equipment, handling hazardous material, and managing the patient. This will be a kind of test of capability,” Dlouhý described how doctors at the Prague hospital are preparing for such cases.

Isolation and strict rules

The patient being transported to the Czech Republic currently has no symptoms. Ebola infection has not yet been confirmed in his case. Nevertheless, caution is necessary, and he will be treated under maximum safety measures.

Immediately after landing at Prague airport, he will be taken over by an emergency medical team in special protective suits, using a special transport capsule available in the Czech Republic through the fire brigade.

“If such a patient were to appear at Václav Havel Airport or anywhere at the border, the hygiene service would activate emergency medical services and firefighters, who would immediately deploy with special equipment,” the head of the service explained the procedure and described the equipment used.

“There is a special capsule in which the patient is placed, and which healthcare workers can access only through protective coverings, in order to provide basic, minimal assistance,” Dlouhý explained, describing the special transport unit for patients suspected of having an infectious disease.

The patient is already being transported to Prague in such a capsule, and he will also be transported in it to Bulovka Hospital, where he will be placed in a special ward, completely separated from other patients.

“The patient is currently only in quarantine; infection has not been confirmed. We know that Ebola requires a 21-day quarantine, so it is certainly not pleasant for this man to be confined in an isolation unit for three weeks.”

Possible infection will have to be confirmed by tests.

“Let’s hope he is not infected at all,” added infectious disease specialist Dlouhý in the Epicenter program.

Czech Republic does not have Ebola tests

“Kidney and liver function, as well as the general condition of the body, will be monitored. These are routine things we do with our patients,” explained the head physician from Ústí nad Labem about the course of treatment for similar patients.

“Of course, everything here will be under a special regime, because samples must be handled with extreme caution,” the doctor added, noting that he has experience with similar cases.