UK humanitarian worker monitored for Ebola in London hospital
A humanitarian worker in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been medically evacuated to the UK following possible healthcare-related exposure to Ebola.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said that the unnamed person, who resides in the UK, had no symptoms and that the move was purely precautionary.
In the statement made by UKHSA, it was stated that the individual was in good condition but was evaluated and monitored in a hospital in London.
The hospital was not named but the Royal Free in north London has a high-level isolation unit and is the primary national center for infectious diseases that can have serious consequences.
The incubation period for Ebola ranges from 2 to 21 days, and the humanitarian worker will need to remain in isolation during this period.
The individual was working with a humanitarian organization supporting the Ebola outbreak response.
Ebola is a very dangerous pathogen. Unlike flu or Covid, it is not airborne and spreads through direct contact with body fluids.
Symptoms appear suddenly and start with fever, headache, and fatigue, like flu or malaria. As the disease progresses, vomiting and diarrhea develop and may lead to organ failure. Some, but not all, patients develop internal and external bleeding.
Richard Pebody, UKHSA director of epidemics and emerging infections, said: “The risk to the public remains low.
“This individual was transferred very carefully and we are pleased that he is doing well.”
There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK, the agency said.
There were three confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK between 2014 and 2015; these all involved healthcare workers returning from West Africa. All recovered and there was no further transmission.
According to the World Health Organization, as of July 19, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 2,423 confirmed cases of Ebola, including 967 deaths, since the outbreak was declared in mid-May. WHO said 469 people have recovered.
Uganda has recorded another 20 confirmed cases and two deaths.
The latest outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola; There are no vaccines yet, but many are being developed.
This was described by WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as the third worst epidemic on record.
Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start your day. Sign up here.
