Health worker monitored for Ebola in London after DRC evacuation
8 reported
A humanitarian worker is being monitored at a specialist London hospital after potential exposure to the Ebola virus while treating patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The UK Health Security Agency described the medical evacuation as a highly precautionary measure, noting the individual is not currently displaying symptoms and remains well. The worker was evacuated on a flight chartered solely for that purpose and is now being assessed and monitored in isolation by infectious disease specialists. The agency stated the incubation period for Ebola ranges from two to 21 days, and the individual will be closely monitored and required to isolate throughout that period. There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK, and the risk to the general public remains low. UKHSA director Richard Pebody said the individual was transferred out of an abundance of caution and that officials are pleased the person remains well. Last month, a patient suspected of having Ebola at a Glasgow hospital tested negative after precautionary measures were taken. An outbreak of the disease in the DRC and Uganda in May was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization.
What’s reported
A humanitarian worker is being monitored at a London hospital after potential Ebola exposure in the DRC.
The UK Health Security Agency said the evacuation was a highly precautionary measure.
The individual is not currently displaying symptoms and remains well.
The worker was evacuated on a flight chartered solely for the evacuation.
The incubation period for Ebola is two to 21 days; the individual must isolate throughout that period.
There are no confirmed Ebola cases in the UK, and the risk to the public is low.
Last month, a patient suspected of having Ebola at a Glasgow hospital tested negative.
An outbreak in the DRC and Uganda in May was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO.
Key figures
Richard Pebody, director of epidemic and emerging infections at the UK Health Security Agency
Sources: The Guardian
