News story

Ebola: Department of Health statement

We can confirm that a British national residing in Sierra Leone has tested positive for Ebola virus infection.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 23 August 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Medical experts are currently assessing the situation to ensure that appropriate care is delivered, and consular assistance is being provided.

Professor John Watson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said:

The overall risk to the public in the UK continues to be very low. Medical experts are currently assessing the situation in Sierra Leone to ensure that appropriate care is provided.

We have robust, well-developed and well-tested NHS systems for managing unusual infectious diseases when they arise, supported by a wide range of experts.

Published 23 August 2014