November 5, 2026

expert reaction to media reports that a UK national has tested positive for Ebola virus in DR Congo and may be flown back to the UK

Scientists respond to reports that a UK national has tested positive for Ebola virus in DR Congo and may be flown back to the UK.

Prof Emma Thomson, Director of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow, said:

“The UK is extremely well prepared to care for patients with Ebola.  If transferred to the Royal Free Hospital in London, this will be the fourth patient with confirmed Ebola treated in its specialist high-level isolation unit.  All three previous patients recovered.

“Although Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), the cause of the current outbreak, can cause severe disease and is highly infectious through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, the Royal Free has state-of-the-art isolation facilities and highly experienced clinical teams.  Strict protocols are in place to protect healthcare workers and prevent onward transmission.

“The risk to the wider UK public is extremely low.”

Dr Damien Tully, Associate Professor at the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, said:

“The infection of a British healthcare worker with Ebola is deeply concerning, but it is not entirely unexpected.  Healthcare workers are on the frontline of these outbreaks, often treating severely ill patients under extremely challenging conditions.  Even with rigorous protective measures, accidental exposures can occur.  This case is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those responding to the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the DRC.  However, it does not suggest that the virus has become more transmissible or that the threat to the UK has increased.

“Unlike respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza, that can spread through the air, Ebola is transmitted primarily through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, and people are not generally infectious until they develop symptoms.  This means that identifying and isolating cases, together with appropriate infection prevention measures, can be highly effective in preventing onward transmission.  For the UK public, the risk from this planned medical evacuation is extremely low.

“The UK has well-established procedures for managing cases of viral haemorrhagic fever, including two dedicated high-level isolation units at the Royal Free Hospital in London and the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.  These facilities are equipped with specialist isolation systems and staffed by highly trained infectious disease teams.  Patients can be transported under carefully controlled conditions, with strict infection prevention measures, appropriate protective equipment and arrangements for identifying and monitoring anyone who may have been exposed.

“Crucially, a planned medical evacuation such as this allows established protocols within the NHS England specialist infectious disease network to be activated in advance, ensuring that healthcare teams, transport arrangements and isolation facilities are coordinated before the patient arrives.  These measures substantially reduce the risk of onward transmission to healthcare workers and the wider public.

“The UK has been here before. During the 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic, three infected healthcare workers were treated in the UK, including two who were medically evacuated from Sierra Leone.  All three recovered, with no onward transmission in the UK.  This experience provides reassurance that specialist isolation facilities and established infection prevention procedures can successfully manage patients infected overseas while minimising the risk of onward transmission.  While this case is understandably attracting attention in the UK, the greatest danger remains in the communities affected by the outbreak in the DRC and elsewhere in the region.  Protecting frontline healthcare workers, rapidly identifying and isolating cases, and interrupting transmission at its source remain critical to preventing further infections and international spread.”

Declared interests

Prof Emma Thomson: “No conflicts.”

Dr Damien Tully: “No conflicts of interest.”