Health Authorities Repeating Mistakes of the Past in Ebola Fight: Doctors Without Borders

Health authorities are repeating the mistakes of the past in combating the deadly virus, Ebola, more than a year after its onset in Guinea and Sierra Leone, warns the international president of Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

Joanne Liu’s remarks on Saturday come a day after Sierra Leone imposed a three-week daytime curfew in the last Ebola-hit areas in a bid to curb a resurgence of the deadly virus, which has killed about 3,900 people in the country.

Last Year�s Ebola Strain is Less Virulent Than the First One in 1976: NIH Study
Mayinga strain causes rash on Day 4 and extreme illness by Day 5, while Makona strain doesn't cause rashes before Day 6, and severe symptoms till Day 7.

Neighboring Liberia was declared Ebola-free in May, but hopes that Sierra Leone and Guinea would quickly follow suit have been dashed in recent weeks.

"We are still making the same mistakes as we did in the past," said Liu. "We know now that engaging the community in the response is essential. But we also know that leadership at the government level is absolutely essential."

Liu said that when "certain political interests are prioritized over the response to the epidemic, this does not work," an apparent reference to Guinea, where the issue of combating Ebola has been a subject of debate between President Alpha Conde and the opposition.

Second Consecutive Weekly Increase in Ebola Cases in Guinea and Sierra Leone: WHO
Guinea has reported 16 new cases of Ebola in the week ending June 7, while 15 new cases were found in neighboring Sierra Leone.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday the retreat of the virus "has stalled", after a second consecutive weekly increase in incidences of Ebola in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

One of the deadliest viruses known to man, Ebola is spread only through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person showing symptoms, such as fever or vomiting.

Italian nurse working in Sierra Leone with 'Emergency' cured of Ebola
Stefano Marongiu, who has just been cured of Ebola after a month long treatment in Rome, has not ruled out another round of working in Ebola-struck West Africa.

Source-AFP

Britain to Award Medals to Over 3,000 People Who Helped Fight Ebola in West Africa
Designed by veteran engraver John Bergdahl, this is the first time a medal has been created specifically to recognize those who have tackled a humanitarian crisis.