Ebola fighting in Sierra Leone: Highest alarm level reached!

Ebola fighting in Sierra Leone: Highest alarm level reached!

In Sierra Leone, a comprehensive vaccination program against Ebola is launched to protect employees in the healthcare system. Health Minister Austin Demby announced that the country is the first to implement this measure worldwide in order to better secure the "medical front". This step is particularly important because Sierra Leone was one of the most affected nations ten years ago during the Ebola epidemic, which demanded almost 4,000 fatalities in the country. In this epidemic, seven percent of health employees lost their lives. Vaccines that are provided by the Gavi vaccine are not only intended for doctors, but also for ambulance drivers, traditional healers and pastors who often come into contact with sick people. So the Kleine Zeitung .

increase in treatment capacities

doctors without borders (MSF) has already provided 70 patients with Ebola symptoms in a new treatment center in Kailahun and expects the numbers to increase because targeted search for infected people has started. Operational manager Anja Wolz said that the current situation was alarming and that the health authorities are under strong time pressure to identify contact persons. 40 suspected cases have been reported in a small village alone. The health authorities must now pay special attention to infection control and training for medical staff in order to get the patient numbers under control, as well as the Website of doctors without Limits reported.

The treatment center in Kailahun is the largest Ebola insulation station that MSF has ever set up, with space for 65 beds. In order to reduce the risk of infection in the local hospitals, increased treatment of symptoms is also sought in the adjacent cities of Koindu and Daru. The organization has recognized the need not only to treat patients, but also to clarify the population about Ebola and their risks to prevent stigmatization and to improve the survival of diseased persons.