Two potential Ebola cases were signalled in Leeds this week after two people with symptoms of the fatal virus arrived in the city from West Africa.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that it has dealt with two potential cases over the past fortnight, however, after following NHS protocol both patents tested negative for the virus.

It has been reported that the first patient was treated at Leeds St James’ Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Ward, which is the first port of call for any suspected Ebola patients in the region due to its specialist facilities.

The local health scare comes just days after the news that British nurse Pauline Cafferkey remains in a critical condition in a north London Hospital after contracting the virus in Sierra Leone.

Although yesterday saw MPs briefed on the UK’s ability to cope with Ebola should a significant outbreak occur, a Public Health England spokeswoman has stressed that the most recent tests of the Leeds patients were done “as a precaution”.

She said: “We are confident that all appropriate actions are being taken to ensure there is no risk to public health.”

A person infected with the Ebola virus will usually develop a fever, a headache, a sore throat, joint and muscle pain and intense muscle weakness. Typically these symptoms start between 2 and 21 days after becoming infected. People who have recently visited West Africa and are experiencing symptoms should call 111 or 999 for immediate attention.

Greg Whitaker

Photo: Yorkshire Evening Post