Statement, Public Health England
17:30, Wednesday 18 February 2015
PHE can confirm it has received a sample for precautionary Ebola testing, involving an individual in Eastbourne District General Hospital with a history of travel to West Africa. Ebola is considered unlikely but testing is being done as a precaution.
Based on the evidence-based risk assessment protocol, we are confident that all appropriate actions are being taken to ensure there is no risk to public health.
We have advised all front line medical practitioners dealing with patients to be alert to possible signs and symptoms of Ebola in those returning from affected areas.
Following such advice we would expect to see an increase in testing. Between August last year and early February this year, 177 individuals with relevant symptoms and a travel history have been tested for Ebola in the UK, with one positive case (the Scottish nurse).
Although there has been one confirmed case diagnosed in UK, the risk of Ebola to the general public in the UK remains very low. Ebola can only be transmitted by direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
We have well established and practised infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease and our systems have demonstrated that the UK is able to manage a case of Ebola when identified.
