This article answers questions about how a trained medical person can inadvertently infect themselves with ebola virus by not taking enough care removing their safety suit.
Liberia: The fear of Ebola goes beyond the security measures
JOHANNESBURG — The Globe and Mail
Published
These days, experienced people on the ground are advising journalists against the use of protective clothing unless you are inside the high-risk wards.
Gloves and suits can create a false sense of security.
They can lead to risky behaviour and – unless you are highly trained and carefully supervised – you can easily contaminate yourself with the Ebola virus while you are removing the gloves or suit.
Removing protective gear safely is a 31-step process, under the supervision of a trained specialist, while disinfecting and washing yourself at every step.
In Spain, a nursing assistant reportedly briefly touched her face with a glove as she was removing her protective clothing – and became the first case of Ebola infection in Europe.
If you’re not wearing a full suit of protective clothing, you might actually be safer because you’re much more careful about your movements.
At clinics and hospital gates, I tried to stay at least two metres away from anyone who might have Ebola.
I hired an SUV from an upscale hotel, since ordinary taxis have been used to transport Ebola patients and could be contaminated.
Leaving a hospital or any other public place, I disinfected my hands and boots with chlorine sprays before entering the vehicle.
But I was always aware that millions of Liberians (Liberia’s population is estimated at 4.3 million) faced the Ebola risks without the benefit of a special vehicle.
Geoffrey YorkVerified account
@geoffreyyork
Africa correspondent for The Globe and Mail;
based in Johannesburg but traveling across Africa; gyork@globeandmail.com http://www.facebook.com/geoffreycyork
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