Agencies
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Agencies | Published : January 13, 2015 11:17 AM IST
London, Jan 12: A UK nurse, who was infected with the deadly Ebola virus while working in Sierra Leone, is 'no longer critically ill,' officials said today. London's Royal Free Hospital said in a statement that Pauline Cafferkey was "showing signs of improvement". Cafferkey, from Glasgow, was diagnosed with Ebola in December 2014 after returning from Sierra Leone and was in a critical condition untill last week.
The 39-year-old had volunteered with other UK National Health Service (NHS) staff for the charity Save the Children in West Africa.
The statement from the hospital said: "The Royal Free Hospital is pleased to announce that Pauline Cafferkey is showing signs of improvement and is no longer critically ill. 'She remains in isolation as she receives specialist care for the Ebola virus,' the statement added. Cafferkey has been treated with experimental drugs and has received blood plasma from another British nurse, Will Pooley, who recovered from an Ebola infection last year, the BBC reported. (Read: 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection)
She had travelled home to Scotland via Casablanca, Morocco, and Heathrow Airport in London. She was initially screened at Heathrow, where her temperature was normal, despite telling officials that she felt unwell. Her temperature was taken a further six times within 30 minutes, but it was normal each time and she was cleared to fly on to Scotland. Cafferkey was then placed in an isolation unit at Glasgow's Gartnavel Hospital after becoming feverish, before being transferred by a Hercules plane to London on December 30, and taken to the Royal Free's specialist treatment centre. (Read: Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ))
Ebola is transmitted by direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, vomit or faeces. The virus has killed more than 7,800 people, almost all in West Africa, since it broke out a year ago. The World Health Organization says the number of people infected by the disease in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea has now passed 20,000. (Read: What is the Ebola virus disease survival rate?)
Read more about Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention
Source: PTI
Photo source: Getty images
For more articles on Ebola virus, visit our Ebola virus section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
