British health worker catches Ebola in Congo as outbreak passes 10,000 cases

A British national, reported to be a health worker, has tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UK government has confirmed. He is the first British citizen known to have caught the virus in the current outbreak and is expected to be flown to the UK for specialist treatment.

The UK says its emergency procedures have been activated and that the risk to the British public remains low.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, was declared in Congo in May. According to US health authorities, there had been 10,563 confirmed cases and 5,130 deaths across five countries by 1 November, almost all of them in Congo. Kenya and Uganda have also reported cases.

Nigeria confirmed its first case on 20 October in a traveller who had been to Uganda. The patient was evacuated to Switzerland for treatment, and 62 contacts were being monitored at the end of October. NCDC has since set aside funds for preparedness.

The virus is passed on when people touch the blood, vomit or other body fluids of someone who is sick. Early signs include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and weakness. The World Health Organization this week backed trials of two new vaccines against the outbreak.