An Australian nurse who had been volunteering in Sierra Leone’s fight against Ebola was flown to the UK on Friday for a 21-day observation period.
Public Health England confirmed that she has not been diagnosed with Ebola, does not currently have any symptoms, and her risk of developing the infection remains low. She is currently undergoing tests and monitoring in hospital.
The Australian department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement: “The individual, who for privacy reasons has not been named, has not been diagnosed with Ebola, and the transfer to the UK for a 21-day observation period is a precautionary step.”
Publich Health England also confirmed on Friday that: “A second volunteer, who had potential contact in a separate incident, is also being transferred to the UK today.”
“On arrival in the UK, the arrangements are for these individuals to be initially assessed in hospital and subsequently monitored for any symptoms for the remainder of their 21 day incubation periods, in line with standard procedures for returning workers.”
The risk to the public posed by these and any returning workers is extremely low, explained regional director for Public Health Englad, Dr Jenny Harries.
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