Humanitarian worker monitored in London hospital after potential Ebola exposure

A humanitarian worker is being monitored at a specialist hospital in London after potential exposure to the Ebola virus.

The UK resident was medically evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where they had been treating patients with the disease, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

They have been evacuated as a “highly precautionary measure”, the UKHSA added.

“The individual is not currently displaying any symptoms and remains well, but as a precautionary measure they have been evacuated on a flight chartered solely for the evacuation,” the agency said in a statement.

“They are now being assessed and monitored in isolation by infectious disease specialists at a London hospital.

“The incubation period of Ebola ranges from two to 21 days and the individual will be closely monitored and required to isolate throughout this period.”

There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in the UK and the risk to the general public remains low.

Richard Pebody, director of epidemic and emerging infections at the UKHSA, said: “This individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well.”