A UK humanitarian worker is being monitored for Ebola in a London hospital after recently working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Ebola is a highly dangerous pathogen that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, unlike airborne diseases such as flu or Covid — Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and can progress to vomiting, diarrhoea, and organ failure. Some patients also experience internal and external bleeding.

UKHSA Provides Public Reassurance

Richard Pebody, director of epidemic and emerging infections at UKHSA, said the risk to the general public remains low. “The individual has been transferred out of an abundance of caution, and we’re pleased they remain well,” he added. The UK has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases since the most recent one in 2015. Between 2014 and 2015, there were three confirmed cases involving healthcare workers returning from west Africa. All recovered, and no further transmission occurred.

Global Outbreak Context

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 19 July, the DR Congo government has recorded 2,423 confirmed cases of Ebola since the outbreak was declared in mid-May. The country has reported 967 deaths and 469 recoveries. In addition, Uganda has confirmed 20 cases and two deaths. The latest outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine, although several are in development. WHO head Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the outbreak as the third-worst on record.

Understanding Ebola Symptoms

The World Health Organization notes that initial symptoms of Ebola can include fever, fatigue, malaise, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. These are followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, rash, and signs of impaired kidney and liver function. The disease’s progression can lead to severe complications, including organ failure and internal bleeding, in some cases.