British person tests positive for Ebola after contracting in DR Congo
The healthcare worker is being evacuated back to the UK, where they will receive treatment for the deadly virus.
TL;DR
- A British citizen working in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola.
- The individual is being evacuated to the UK for treatment.
- This is the first time a Briton has tested positive for the virus in the current outbreak.
- The current Ebola outbreak has surpassed 10,000 cases and 5,000 deaths.
- Africa's top health official warned the UK is 'not safe' from the 'unprecedented' spread.
- Experts debate the risk to the UK, with varying opinions on transmission and preparedness.
- The Bundibugyo strain, prevalent in this outbreak, has a fatality rate of up to 50% and no current vaccine.
- Symptoms include flu-like fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, progressing to internal bleeding and organ failure.
- The virus spreads through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated surfaces.
- Previous suspected Ebola cases in the UK have tested negative.