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The UAE contingency plan to curb the deadly Ebola virus will focus on the protection of healthcare workers as per the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), sources said after a recently held meeting between top officials.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), among others, attended the meeting held on Monday. However, they are yet to issue a formal statement in this regard.
Sources told Khaleej Times that “everything is under control” and “a plan has been put in place”.
They also said there is no reason to panic. The WHO asked a number of countries in the region, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, to put in place policies for early detection of the disease, which may also include monitoring airports.
Key facts > Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. > EVD outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests. > The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. > Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. No licensed specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals. (Source: WHO) Signs and symptoms EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. (Source: WHO) |
In a statement sent to Khaleej Times, Rana Sidani, senior communication officer, Media and Communication Unit, WHO Regional Office in Egypt, said: “WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office has strongly urged all Member States (including the UAE) to urgently focus attention on developing a level of preparedness for early detection, investigation and response to potential Ebola Virus Disease in their countries.
“We will assist Member States in efforts to strengthen and build national capacities, as well as supporting national training activities aiming at Disease Control Officers and competent health authorities at Points of Entry (airports etc) and Ground Crossings.
It is essential that any suspected case of EVD be brought immediately to WHO’s attention with clinical samples collected under strict biosafety.
“Procedures for immediate isolation of suspected cases need to be in place at airports with appropriate decontamination procedures and contact tracing procedures.
“In addition, each country needs to have identified a designated isolation facility with appropriately trained staff, equipment and biohazard management. WHO will assist in shipment of samples to a designated WHO Collaborating Centre for confirmation of the diagnosis.”
A Dubai Airports spokesperson said they are in touch with the health authorities.
“Dubai Airports is monitoring the situation closely and is in ongoing contact with (the) local health authorities,” the spokesperson said in a statement sent to Khaleej Times.
On July 31, the WHO had launched an appeal for $100 million (Dh367 million) for an Ebola response plan.
Until August 4, the death toll from the outbreak reached 887, according to the WHO. Majority of the deaths occurred in the West African country of Liberia while other affected countries include Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia tested a citizen suspected of having Ebola after he returned from a business trip from Sierra Leone.
Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90 per cent.
It is one of the world’s most virulent diseases.
The infection is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people.
During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.
No licensed vaccine is available for the disease.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
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