Ebola scare: Ex British councilor dies after returning from Nigeria

A former British council leader, Andy Smith, 64, has been found dead at his home, in Nutberry Avenue, Grays, England, five days after he returned from Nigeria, sparking fears that he might have contracted the deadly Ebola virus while in Nigeria.


According to Echo news, a hazardous medical team had to be called in to assess his body before disposal. It was however learnt that he was free of the virus.

According to a spokesman for Public Health England, Ebola had been ruled out as the cause of his death even though he had travelled to Nigeria and other West African countries.

 The spokesman also said: “We have protocols in place instructing staff on how to act when dealing with suspected cases of a variety of diseases, including Ebola.”

A Police post-mortem examination also revealed that Smith had died suddenly and not as a result of Ebola.

“Smith had served the residents of Thurrock for over two decades and will no doubt be missed by many. His years of experience and dedication to politics and the community in Thurrock will not be soon forgotten".

Smith, 64, was a Labour councillor in West Thurrock and South Stifford and cabinet member on Thurrock Council.