This post relates to an emerging incident and will be updated as new information becomes available
A British person has been diagnosed with Ebola after helping with the outbreak response in the DRC and has been brought to the UK for specialist treatment.
They have been safely transported back to the UK via medevac - a specialist flight during which an individual receives detailed medical care, and are now in one of the UK's High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) units at the Royal Free Hospital, London. HCID units are specialist NHS units designed to safely treat people diagnosed with rare and serious infections.
Large infectious disease outbreaks like the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) require a large scale, international response. Specialists from countries around the world are assisting on the ground in DRC. Outbreak responses like this one always carry risk of the infection spreading to those who are responding.
The risk to the UK public remains low. The UK has well-established systems, specialist facilities and highly trained staff for managing infectious diseases like Ebola. This post explains what is happening, how Ebola spreads and what you need to do.
Why is this person being medically evacuated and why can’t they remain in DRC for treatment?
The medical evacuation of a British worker with a high consequence infectious disease such as Ebola is part of our duty of care to those serving in challenging and high-risk environments overseas. This ensures the individual has access to specialist care within the UK health system, while being closer to family and other support networks during treatment and recovery.
This approach reflects the UK's commitment to supporting humanitarian workers who undertake difficult and important work on behalf of vulnerable communities around the world.
Due to the precautions taken, this medical evacuation will not increase the risk to the UK public.
Do I need to take any extra precautions?
No. The overall risk to the UK has not changed, and the patient is being treated in isolation. You do not need to take any extra precautions.
How is the specialist unit at the Royal Free Hospital different from an ordinary hospital ward?
The Royal Free Hospital has specialist high-level isolation beds and some of the best facilities in the world for treating unusual infectious diseases. The patient is being treated in isolation. This means there is minimal risk of Ebola spreading as a result of this case.
Staff in these units are highly trained and follow strict protocols to protect themselves, other NHS staff and the public.
Can Ebola spread to other people during a medevac transfer to the UK?
This is extremely unlikely. The patient was transported by highly trained specialists who wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict infection control procedures throughout the journey.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is sick with the virus, such as vomit, diarrhoea or blood. It is not airborne, so it cannot be caught from particles in the air. This makes it very different from infections such as flu and COVID-19, which spread much more easily through coughs and sneezes.
Healthcare workers caring for patients with Ebola wear full protective equipment when they are in close contact with a patient. This prevents the infection spreading by creating a barrier between the healthcare worker and the bodily fluids of an infected person.
What are the symptoms of Ebola, and how long do they take to appear?
Symptoms can appear between 2 and 21 days after coming into contact with the infection, and on average after 8 to 10 days. Illness usually starts suddenly with a fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain and a sore throat. After a few days, symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting often follow.
Many other illnesses, such as malaria, cause similar symptoms which is much more common in returning travellers.
Is the NHS prepared?
The NHS has well-established processes for managing an Ebola case, including rapid testing and strict infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides clinical advice and testing to the NHS for viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola, and has a test for the strain causing this outbreak in the DRC.
What should I do if I think I might have Ebola?
Unless you have visited an affected country and been in contact with the body fluids of an infected person, there is very little chance that you have Ebola.
If you have visited the DRC or other affected surrounding areas in the last 21 days and you become unwell with symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea or a sore throat, you should:
- stay at home
- call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency
- tell them you have recently travelled to the affected area
You should not go to a GP surgery or hospital without calling first.
Is there a vaccine or treatment?
There are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments for most species of Ebola virus, including the Bundibugyo strain causing the current outbreak. Vaccines and treatments exist for a different species of Ebola virus. Specialist teams will provide the patient with the best available supportive care.
I'm planning to travel to an affected area. What should I do?
If you are planning to visit an area affected by the current outbreak, think carefully about your plans and speak to a travel health specialist. You can find advice on the NaTHNaC Ebola disease page and from the FCDO.
Organisations sending workers to affected areas, where they may be exposed to Ebola through their work, should register them with the UKHSA Returning Workers Scheme. The scheme has been activated to protect and monitor the health of these workers. UKHSA is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates if anything changes. A dedicated page on GOV.UK lists outbreaks and case locations of haemorrhagic fevers Ebola and Marburg.