A UK humanitarian worker supporting the Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been medically evacuated to the UK following a potential healthcare-related exposure.
The individual was flown back on a specially chartered flight as a precautionary measure and is currently being assessed in isolation by infectious disease specialists at a London hospital. There are no symptoms.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that because the incubation period for Ebola ranges from two to 21 days, the individual will be closely monitored and required to isolate throughout this timeframe.
There are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK, and health authorities emphasise that the risk to the general public remains low.
Richard Pebody, Director, Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said: “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.”
UKHSA confirmed it will provide further updates.
