A British military healthcare worker has been
evacuated from Sierra Leone to the UK after being accidentally jabbed with a
needle while treating Ebola patients.The worker has returned to England for
monitoring, according to Public Health England (PHE).
The woman was flown back to RAF Brize Norton in
Oxfordshire on Friday night and then transferred to an isolation ward at the
Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, northwest London.
The worker's next of kin has been informed,
according to PHE.
It is understood the person, whose identity has
not been released, has probably been exposed to the virus but has not been
diagnosed with Ebola and is not displaying symptoms.
The official announcement said the worker
suffered a "needle-stick injury", which involves piercing of the
skin while treating Ebola patients.
The injuries typically involved needle points
but may also be done by other sharp objects, and are considered an occupational
health hazard by medical workers.
PHE director for health protection Professor
Paul Cosford said: "Our thoughts are with this person, who has been
courageous in helping those affected in West Africa, and in preventing the
wider spread of Ebola.
"We have strict, well-tested protocols in
place for this eventuality and we are confident that all appropriate actions
have been taken to support the healthcare worker concerned and to protect the
health of other people."
The medical evacuation was done as a
precautionary measure.
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