An investigation has been launched after a man who recently returned to the country was confirmed as having a potentially deadly viral disease.
Tests revealed that the 38-year-old man, who returned to Glasgow on a connecting flight from Dubai on Tuesday, has Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF).
The patient is now being treated in complete isolation at Gartnavel General Hospital's Brownlee Centre, which specialises in infectious diseases. He is said to be in a critical condition.
CCHF is a widespread tick-borne viral disease which is especially common in East and West Africa and is fatal in up to 30% of human cases. The onset is said to be sudden, with initial symptoms including headache, high fever, vomiting and back, joint and stomach pain.
Outbreaks can usually be traced to a person having had contact with blood or body fluids from infected animals or people, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said.
The man was admitted to hospital within three hours of his arrival in the city and the health board said all appropriate infection control measures are in place. Three passengers who were sitting close to him on the Emirates flight EK027 from Dubai are being contacted directed to ensure there has been no transmission.
NHSGGC said the risk of the disease being passed from person-to-person is "extremely low" as it is not passed through the air.
In a statement, the health board said: "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.
"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. 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."
Dr Syed Ahmed, NHSGGC consultant in public health, is co-ordinating an investigation into the case, along with colleagues from Health Protection Scotland and the Health Protection Agency. He 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."
