This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31091528
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Second UK health worker tested for Ebola | |
(35 minutes later) | |
A second UK military healthcare worker has been flown back to England following "likely exposure" to the Ebola virus via a needle-stick injury in Sierra Leone. | |
The patient is being monitored at London's Royal Free Hospital and does not currently have a diagnosis or symptoms of the virus. | |
Public Health England says there is no risk to the general public. | Public Health England says there is no risk to the general public. |
The patient will be monitored for 21 days to see if they develop Ebola. | |
Another military health worker was sent to the UK on Saturday following a similar incident and is also being observed at the hospital. | |
'Precautionary measure' | |
Prof Paul Cosford of Public Health England said: "We can confirm that all the appropriate support is being offered to this individual and that strict protocols have been followed to transfer them back to the UK. | |
"We would like to emphasise that there is no risk to the general public's health. | |
"Our thoughts are with both of the healthcare workers, and their families, affected at this time." | |
Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Francois said: "This is entirely a precautionary measure and our priority is the wellbeing of the individual involved. | |
"Their family has been informed and will receive all possible support from the government." | |
He said although the two similar incidents had occurred within a short space of time, they appeared to be unrelated. | |
"Our personnel receive the highest standard of training and briefing prior to deployment," he said. | |
Needle-stick injuries involve a piercing of the skin by a sharp instrument or object, typically a needle. | |
Experts have said such injuries are one of the most dangerous risks for infection as the virus could be delivered directly into the bloodstream. |