A humanitarian worker is being monitored and assessed by specialists in a London hospital after suspected exposure to Ebola while working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the individual, a British resident, was evacuated on a chartered flight as a precautionary measure but remains well with no current symptoms.
No UK cases since 2015
There has been no recorded case of Ebola in the UK since 2015, when three health workers returned from Africa with the disease. Richard Pebody, Director of Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, stated: 'The risk to the general public remains low. This individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well.'
DR Congo outbreak accelerates
DR Congo is facing a substantially faster outbreak, which has so far claimed 930 lives, with 2,344 cases reported on Saturday alone. First declared in May, this is becoming the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic on record. Ebola can take between two to 21 days to incubate, with patients needing to isolate during that time.
Cases outside DR Congo
So far there have been 20 confirmed cases outside DR Congo, including two deaths: one in Uganda and one in France. The Democratic Republic’s Ministry of Health said on Monday: 'Patient care and support capacities are consolidating, with 22 new recoveries recorded in 24 hours.'
Previous scares in UK and Europe
Last month, there was concern over a potential patient in Scotland, with part of a Glasgow hospital sealed off. Ultimately, the person tested negative. In June, a French doctor tested positive for Ebola after returning home from a humanitarian mission and has since recovered. In 2014, a Scottish nurse became the first person diagnosed with Ebola in the UK after treating patients in Sierra Leone.
Rare strain and WHO emergency
The strain involved, known as Bundibugyo, is rare and currently has no vaccine or treatment. The World Health Organisation declared a public health emergency last month following the outbreak. Those who may have come into contact with the patient are being traced, and the general risk in Europe remains low.
