Man in isolation with deadly virus

Oct 4 2012

A 38-year-old man is being treated in isolation after being confirmed as having the potentially deadly Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

The patient, who returned to Glasgow on a connecting flight from Dubai on Tuesday, is in a critical condition at Gartnavel General Hospital's Brownlee Centre, which specialises in infectious diseases.

He was admitted to hospital within three hours of his arrival in the city and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said all the appropriate infection control measures are in place.

Laboratory test results have confirmed that he has Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a widespread tick-borne viral disease which is especially common in East and West Africa and can affect humans.

The health board said the risk of person-to-person transmission of the virus is "extremely low" as it is not passed through the air.

However, as a precautionary measure, it said those who have been in close contact with the man are being traced directly to ensure that there has been no transmission, including three passengers who were seated in close proximity to him on Emirates flight EK027 flight from Dubai.

In a statement, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "The risk to all other passengers on the flight is extremely low; however, if they have any concerns they should contact NHS24 on 08000 858531 for advice, further information and reassurance.

"Given the fact that this man went into the care of the NHS within three hours of his flight arrival in Glasgow and travelled directly home via private transport from the airport, we are confident that his close contacts subsequently within the city were minimal.

"We have also identified all NHS staff, airport and airline staff who have had contact with the patient and any necessary follow-up action will be taken."