Pauline Cafferkey

Pauline Cafferkey is a British nurse who gained international attention in 2014 when she contracted the Ebola virus while volunteering in Sierra Leone during the West African Ebola epidemic.

Early Life and Education

Cafferkey was born in Scotland and trained as a nurse at the University of Glasgow. After completing her training, she worked in various nursing roles in the National Health Service (NHS) before deciding to volunteer abroad.

Ebola Outbreak

In 2014, Cafferkey travelled to Sierra Leone with the charity Save the Children to help combat the Ebola outbreak. She worked in the Kerry Town Ebola treatment centre, where she was responsible for treating patients infected with the virus.

In December 2014, Cafferkey returned to the UK and was diagnosed with Ebola. She was treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London, where she was critically ill for a time but eventually recovered.

Aftermath

Cafferkey's experience with Ebola did not end with her recovery. She suffered from two further episodes of illness linked to the virus, including meningitis caused by Ebola persisting in her brain. Her case has contributed to the understanding of the long-term effects of Ebola.

In 2016, Cafferkey was cleared of misconduct over her return to the UK with the virus. She was accused of allowing an incorrect temperature to be recorded during the screening process at Heathrow Airport, but a disciplinary panel found that she had been treated unfairly.

Recognition

Cafferkey has been recognised for her bravery and dedication. In 2015, she was awarded the Pride of Britain award for her work in Sierra Leone.

See Also

• Ebola virus disease
• West African Ebola virus epidemic
• Healthcare in Sierra Leone

References

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