Ebola Scare: GP Centre Next to Asda Supermarket Shut Down After Patient Tested for Killer Virus

A GP walk-in centre next to an Asda superstore in Hereford was shut down yesterday after a patient was tested for Ebola.

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed the patient at the GP Access Centre was tested for the deadly virus and had a history of travelling to West Africa.

The patient was later transferred to Hereford County Hospital.

A PHE spokesman said: "We can confirm it has received a sample for precautionary Ebola testing, involving an individual from Hereford County Hospital with a history of travel to West Africa.

"Ebola is considered very unlikely but testing is being done as a precaution.

"Based on the evidence-based risk assessment protocol, we are confident that all appropriate actions are being taken to ensure there is no risk to public health.

"It is important to remember that as yet, there has never been a case of Ebola diagnosed in the UK and the infection can only be transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids - such as blood, vomit or faeces - of an infected person.

"We have advised all front line medical practitioners dealing with patients to be alert to signs and symptoms of Ebola in those returning from affected areas. Following such advice we would expect to see an increase in testing.

"Should there be a positive case in the UK, this information will be made available to the public."

Asda confirmed it remained open while the centre was closed and was not affected by the Ebola scare.

A spokesman said: "The store and the GP Access Centre are two separate entities with two different entrances.

"You do not have to walk through the store to enter the centre. We were informed about the closure but the supermarket remained open."

The walk-in centre reopened yesterday afternoon (17 November).