Patient Tested For Ebola In Hereford

18 November 2014, 10:16 | Updated: 18 November 2014, 10:22

A patient is being tested for symptoms of ebola after attending a walk-in centre in Hereford.

Health bosses at Wye Valley NHS Trust have told Heart they attended a walk-in centre yesterday afternoon, saying they had a fever and other symptoms. 

The patient has a history of travelling to West Africa and is now under quarantine at Hereford County Hospital. 

However, bosses say it is unlikely they will test positive for the disease.

A spokesperson at Wye Valley NHS Trust said: "A patient at Hereford County Hospital is being treated in line with standard infection control guidelines.  As is routine in these types of cases, samples are being tested.    

"All appropriate actions have been taken and there is no risk to public health.

"As far as our patients are concerned, it’s a case of business as usual."

Experts at Public Health England are testing the samples, but have told Heart it is unlikely that Ebola will be detected. 

A Public Health England spokesperson, said: "Testing is being done as a precaution. Based on the evidence-based risk assessment protocol, we are confident that all appropriate actions are being taken to ensure there is no risk to public health

"It is important to remember that as yet, there has never been a case of Ebola diagnosed in the UK and the infection can only be transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids - such as blood, vomit or faeces - of an infected person. We have advised all front line medical practitioners dealing with patients to be alert to signs and symptoms of Ebola in those returning from affected areas. Following such advice we would expect to see an increase in testing. Should there be a positive case in the UK, this information will be made available to the public."