65 close contacts of Fife Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey identified
ByThe Courier Reporter
As Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey continues to fight for her life, it has emerged 65 close contacts have now been identified.
This number includes two people “who provided personal and clinical care” to the nurse who comes originally from Crossgates.
That is a rise of seven and the figure now includes medical staff involved in delivering care to Ms Cafferkey, 39, when she became ill.
Health Protection Scotland said it did not now expect this number to change significantly.
“The risk to the public remains extremely low and all appropriate infection control measures are in place,” it added.
Of the 65 contacts, 40 met the clinical criteria needed to be vaccinated and 26 went on to be given the vaccine.
The remainder turned down the offer of a vaccination or had other health issues which prevented them from receiving one.
Decisions on the management of close contacts have been taken by a group including Health Protection Scotland, Public Health England, the Scottish Government, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and other national experts who have experience of the deadly virus.
65 close contacts of Fife Ebola nurse Pauline Cafferkey identified