A British military aid worker has tested positive for Ebola in west African nation of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced.
Public Health England said that medical experts were making sure the aid worker was receiving appropriate care, and an investigation has been launched into how they contracted the deadly disease.
A decision on whether the individual will be evacuated back to the UK for treatment has not yet been made.
A Public Health England spokesperson said:
“We can confirm that a UK military healthcare worker in Sierra Leone has tested positive for Ebola. Medical experts are currently assessing the situation to ensure that appropriate care is delivered. A clinical decision on whether the individual will be medically evacuated to the UK for treatment will be taken in due course.
“An investigation into how the military worker was exposed to the virus is currently underway and tracing of individuals in recent contact with the diagnosed worker is being undertaken. Any individuals identified as having had close contact will be assessed and, if necessary, a clinical decision made regarding bringing them to the UK.
“The UK has robust, well-developed and well-tested systems for managing Ebola and the overall risk to the public in the UK continues to be very low.
“No further information is being given at this time.”
During a visit to Sierra Leone in February, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said that Britain’s plan to defeat Ebola in Sierra Leone is working but will not be completed until every case has been tackled.
