A patient is being tested for the suspected Ebola virus at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the Press Association understands. The individual was admitted in the early hours of Tuesday, and tests are currently underway to confirm whether they have contracted the disease.
No Confirmed Cases in Scotland
Public Health Scotland stated there are "no confirmed cases of Ebola" in Scotland at present. However, the agency is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to assess routes by which travellers may enter the UK from affected countries. The risk from arrivals is considered low, and the NHS has safe procedures for detecting and managing potential cases.
"PHS and NHS boards across Scotland have well established protocols for assessing and testing travellers arriving in the UK from areas affected by Ebola where necessary," a spokesperson said. "Where required, contact tracing will occur and contacts may undergo clinical assessment and precautionary testing."
Ebola Outbreak in DRC
There have been almost 700 confirmed cases of bundibugyo Ebola virus, the majority in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Some 138 people have died, including two in neighbouring Uganda. If confirmed, this would be the first UK case since the WHO declared the DRC outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
The UK has committed up to £21 million to support the local response to Ebola in DRC, helping to protect frontline workers and vulnerable communities.
