A hospital in Glasgow has been placed in lockdown after a patient presented with symptoms consistent with the Ebola virus, according to reports. The individual had recently returned to Scotland from a country where Ebola is present and sought medical attention after falling ill.
Emergency measures activated
The patient arrived at the Acute Receiving Unit, a facility designed for patients referred by their GP or through the health board's 101 number, bypassing the accident and emergency department. Upon arrival, the unit was immediately closed and isolated from the rest of the hospital. A source told The National: “Obviously Ebola is a deadly and contagious illness, and emergency measures had to be put in place immediately to protect both staff and any members of the public.”
Patient placed in confinement
After an initial assessment, the patient was moved to another area within the hospital and placed in confinement while tests are conducted to determine whether they have Ebola or another illness. The source added: “The person was assessed there and then taken elsewhere in the hospital. I believe they were put into confinement while the tests to establish if they have Ebola or something else are carried out.”
Ongoing situation
Authorities have not yet released official details, and the hospital remains on alert. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as test results become available.
