British Man With Ebola to Be Flown Home From DR Congo

A British citizen in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola, and the UK Government says the person will be brought home for treatment. Reuters identified the patient as a healthcare worker, although no flight date has been confirmed. A Government spokesperson said the risk to the UK public remains low.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has reportedly killed about 5,000 people in DR Congo, with cases said to exceed 10,000. Only four Ebola cases have ever been confirmed in the UK. The country has high-level isolation units at the Royal Free Hospital in London and the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Dr Damien Tully of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine called the news deeply concerning but not entirely unexpected, adding that it does not mean the virus is more transmissible. Health officials are expected to give further details on the patient's transfer and treatment arrangements in the coming days.