Ebola outbreak: Pressure mounts for checks at UK airports as US patient dies

Health secretary warned that it’s ‘entirely possible’ for Ebola to reach the Britain.

17:01 09 October 2014

As the first US patient diagnosed with ebola died, the UK government is being urged to follow the footsteps of United States and use extra airport screening. This came after Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that it is “entirely possible” that the devastating outbreak of Ebola could reach the UK.

He said: "It is now entirely possible that someone with ebola will come to the UK by one route or another, but we have very, very good plans in place.”

"The NHS has a proven track record of dealing with and helping people with ebola.

"Our ambulance services are equipped with the protective suits.

"But the most important thing we can do to protect the UK's population is to play our part in making sure that the disease is contained in West Africa."

Meanwhile, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, Keith Vaz, called for screening at airports, ports, and railway stations and for immigration officers to be trained to spot symptoms of the disease.

The World Health Organisation has previously warned that the spread of the disease in Europe is “unavoidable.”