World

Australian nurse exposed to Ebola

21:12 pm on 16 January 2015

An Australian nurse treating ebola patients at a clinic in Sierra Leone, which is also being staffed by New Zealanders, has been airlifted to Britain, after she had direct exposure to Ebola.

Australian officials say the nurse was treating patients at the Australian-run Aspen Medical clinic in Sierra Leone, and that she has not so far been formally diagnosed with Ebola.

Officials told the ABC she had been evacuated as a precautionary measure, but the Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, said she was concerned for the woman's welfare.

The clinic was currently operating at a capacity of 38 beds, and had treated 57 patients to date.

New Zealand said last month it was sending 24 medical personnel to work at the clinic.