Sierra Leone News: Ebola in salone…Ministry confirms

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In a joint press conference yesterday between the Ministry of Information and Communication, and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the Minister of Health, Miatta Kargbo,confirmed a case of Ebola in the Country. Madam Kargbo in a somber mood explained that the Country is in a state of national emergency, with regards to the Ebola viral disease which has surfaced in Sokoma Community, Kissi Teng Chiefdom in Kailahun District. She called on the public to be very conscious of their movements especially those in the Kailahun;Kenema Kono triangle. The minister of Health called on media practitioners to be more supportive as the ministry respond and do all it can to prevent the virus from spreading across the nation. She disclosed that all necessary logistics as well as protective gears are in place and have been sent to the affected Communities in Kailahun District. The Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry, Dr. Brima Kargbo maintained that presently there are seven suspected cases out of which one has been quarantined in Koindu Health Centre and one from the seven is confirmed to have the Ebola virus, but is still alive in Koindu. People should be very conscious about handling their dead. They should not wash them. Just bury them , he said: He confirmed that teams from the Lassa Fever Control Centre in Kenema have left for Kailahun to take blood samples from the suspected persons admitted to ascertain whether indeed they have the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in the Country Dr.Mafunda stressed to media practitioners that the case of Ebola is very serious; especially that it has raised its head in this part of Africa. He said from lessons learnt in neighboring Guinea and Liberia, Sierra Leone is not only in a state of preparedness but it is ready to respond to all emergencies, that will keep the virus from spreading further. Dr. Mofunda advised members of the fourth estate to continue the collaboration with the ministry of Health, in order to get the right information which is reliable and will not create panic. He continued that Ebola has no treatment; therefore Journalists should be mindful on how they put out information to the public. Director of Disease Prevention and Control, Dr. Amara Jambai, advised the media on the do’s and don’ts of the Ebola disease noting that as agents of change, it is expected that reports are to be cross-checked before it is being put out to the public. During the conference some media practitioners expressed concern over conflicting reports from the ministry, as to ascertain the number of suspected cases and those that have been confirmed with the disease and the number of deaths so far. This was clarified by ministry officials, and up to press time there is only one confirmed case of Ebola in the Country. However the ministry advised that all suspected case of frequent vomiting and bleeding including hemorrhagic fever should be reported immediately to the nearest health facility in their community. By Ade Campbell/ Jay Willie Tuesday May 27, 2014

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