Emirates passengers monitored after virus death

Emirates Airline passengers sitting close to a man critically ill with a potentially deadly virus have been contacted and will be monitored, health chiefs have said.

The move comes as a 38-year-old male, who travelled home to the UK from Dubai on flight EK027 with Crimean Congo Viral Haemorrhagic Fever died on Saturday after being transferred from the Brownlee Unit in Glasgow to the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said in a statement: "We have now contacted the three passengers on Emirates flight EK027 from Dubai to Glasgow arriving at 12.35pm on Tuesday Oct 2 who were seated in close proximity to the patient on the flight.

There is no evidence of transmission of infection however they will continue to be followed-up," it added.

Health chiefs insisted the risk to all other passengers on the flight is "extremely low".

Dr Syed Ahmed, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde consultant in public health who is coordinating the 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 NHS24 helpline number for anyone on flight number EK027 to call if they have any concerns is 08000 85 85 31. The helpline will be available between 8am and 10pm daily seven days a week.