Pediatrician and internist Patrick LaRochelle was released June 10 after being isolated at Prague’s Bulovka hospital since May 21 for Ebola monitoring. The 46-year-old showed no symptoms as the incubation period ended, and he was transported home with his wife
On June 10, the isolation ended for Patrick LaRochelle—an American pediatrician and internist who had spent weeks in Prague’s Bulovka hospital waiting for the Ebola incubation period to run out.
Bulovka hospital said the doctor was released and is on his way home after being isolated since May 21. The hospital described its facility as a specialized place built for highly dangerous disease cases, routinely preparing for situations like his.
LaRochelle had been transferred to the Czech hospital as a precaution after having contact with a patient with Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was released after monitoring concluded that the incubation period for the virus had ended. The hospital said on X that he showed no symptoms.
The Czech health ministry said the move happened for three weeks of isolation following a U.S. request, reflecting the country’s reputation for dealing with infectious diseases.
LaRochelle, 46, is from Charlottesville, Virginia. The path that brought him to Prague started in Congo. where he was first flown to Uganda with other exposed doctors. They were then transferred on special medical flights for their respective trips. LaRochelle was ultimately transported to Prague. and his wife. Anna—who is a family nurse practitioner—along with the couple’s three children were allowed to return to the United States. according to AAP News.
In an interview with the Washington Post, LaRochelle described his room at Bulovka Hospital as a PVC structure with special features, including a spot for arms with gloves right over his bed in case he needs medical care.
The doctor’s time in isolation wasn’t the only American case tied to the Congo exposure. Two other American missionary doctors—Peter Stafford and Rebekah Stafford—were also exposed and evacuated. Peter Stafford developed symptoms and tested positive, and his condition deteriorated. The Staffords and their four children were evacuated to Berlin, Germany, for treatment and monitoring.
Through it all, LaRochelle spoke with gratitude about the care he received. “The Czech doctors and nurses have been wonderful,” he told the publication.
Behind the personal relief, the broader Ebola response continues to drive urgent policy debate. Global health authorities have been racing to contain an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. and neighboring Uganda has also reported cases. Vaccine development is underway. but officials have been discussing obstacles to fighting a rare strain of Ebola as vaccines are months away from clinical trials.
In the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration urged European nations to follow Washington’s lead and impose travel restrictions on people who have recently been in Central African countries affected by the outbreak. The stated goal is to reduce the risk of spread during the soccer World Cup. with sources and officials describing the request on Tuesday.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Ebola Patrick LaRochelle Bulovka hospital Prague Democratic Republic of Congo travel restrictions World Cup U.S. doctor infection monitoring vaccines
So he just… left? Wild.
I don’t get it, if it’s “monitoring” why not just let him go earlier? Also Czech hospitals always seem extra intense with the whole infection stuff.
Wait, so the incubating period ended and then he’s fine? That seems backwards to me like shouldn’t they test his blood or something, not just watch the clock. And Prague has that reputation but still, I’d be nervous flying home.
Ebola is so overhyped now honestly. Like one exposure from Congo and they lock a guy in some plastic pod in Prague for weeks? Meanwhile people in the US get regular diseases from hospitals and nobody isolates anybody. Just seems like politics + fear. Glad he’s okay though, I guess.