Ebola Evacuation For Worker After Needle Jab

A British military healthcare worker has been evacuated from Sierra Leone 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, London.

The worker's next of kin has been informed, according to PHE.

It is understood the person, whose identity has not been released, according to sky news, 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.

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."