WHO alarmed as Ebola affects medics; 13 Indians from Liberia test negative
Indiatimes.com
Aug 26, 2014
NEW DELHI: The World Health Organization on Tuesday said that the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa has been unprecedented in many ways. A high proportion of healthcare workers are among those infected with the virus.
So far, over 250 healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, have contacted the disease in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone and over 120 have died, IANS quoting Chinese news agency Xinhua, reported.
According to the WHO, the virus has taken the lives of doctors in Sierra Leone and Liberia, depriving these hard-hit countries not only of experienced medical care but also of inspiring national heroes.
The UN health agency noted that shortage of personal protective equipment or its improper use and working beyond the number of hours recommended as safe contributed to the high proportion of infected medical staff.
“In many cases, medical staff are at risk because no protective equipment is available, not even gloves and face masks. Even in dedicated Ebola wards, personal protective equipment is often scarce or not being properly used,” it said.
On Monday, Liberia’s deputy chief medical doctor Abraham Borbor died of Ebola.
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