West Africa is being seriously affected by the Ebola Virus, which has been spreading throughout the region. Recently a State of Emergency has been declared in Sierra Leone by the government as well as the WHO declaring an international State of emergency.
The virus is spread through ‘bodily fluids’ and is NOT spread through the air. We in the Olney-Newton Link are monitoring the situation closely and receive feedback direct from our contacts. Simple sanitation and hygiene are the main means of fighting this problem, in addition to education. We have recently released £500 to the Newton Committee for them to use to purchase essential items to control the spread of the virus in their community.
An Ebola checkpoint has been set up on the Main Motor Road through Newton, checking all traffic passing to and from Freetown and Bo.
Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. 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. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. 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.
Ebola virus disease outbreaks can devastate families and communities, but the infection can be controlled through the use of recommended protective measures in clinics and hospitals, at community gatherings, or at home.
