Congo Fever Case Confirmed In Scotland

Tests revealed the 38-year-old, who flew into Scotland from a Dubai stopover, has Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

It has emerged this afternoon that the man's journey originated in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

It is the first recorded case of the disease in the UK.

The man was admitted to Gartnavel General Hospital's Brownlee Centre in Glasgow less than three hours after arriving in Scotland and has since been transferred to the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

His condition is described as critical but stable.

Passengers who sat close to the man on Emirates flight EK027 on Tuesday have been contacted. Three passengers as well as airport staff are being cared for as a precautionary measure.

Although they are not showing any symptoms of the disease, doctors said they would be closely monitored.

Dr Syed Ahmed, an NHS consultant in public health who is co-ordinating investigations into the case, said: "The risk of person-to-person transmission of Crimean-Congo viral haemorrhagic fever is extremely low as it can only be transmitted by direct contact with infected blood or body fluids.

"It is not a virus which is transmitted through the air. As such, the risk to those who were in close contact with him is minimal.

"We have already made contact with all the patient's close contacts and they are being followed up appropriately.

"The decision to transfer the patient to the high-security unit at the Royal Free was taken in line with the national protocol for the management of cases such as this."

CCHF is a tick-borne viral disease and is fatal in 30% of human cases.

It causes large areas of severe bruising, nosebleeds and uncontrolled bleeding at injection sites.

Early symptoms include headaches, fever, vomiting and back, joint and stomach pain. They can also include red eyes, red spots on the roof of the mouth and jaundice.

The virus is widespread in parts of Africa, Asia, India and the Middle East.

:: Anyone who is worried they may have the disease should contact NHS24 for advice on 08000 858531.