01.08.2012 | Uganda Ebola Interviews
Interview: "We must stop the spread of Ebola epidemic and get under control
..."Emergency Coordinator for MSF Olimpia de la Rosa describes combat Ebola virus in Uganda© Agus Morales / MSF31st July 2012 - Olimpia de la Rosa, emergency coordinator for MSF in the hospital in Kigadi in Uganda.Kigadi, 1 August 2012
- Epidemics of Ebola virus are extremely rare, but Dr. Olimpia de la Rosa, emergency coordinator for MSF, are nothing new. When the Ebola emerged in Uganda in 2007, Dr. Rosa supported the medical team fighting the epidemic. Five years later the next crisis intervention, MSF teams and once again seek to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
What is the current situation in Uganda and how many people were infected?
Meanwhile there were 36 cases of Ebola and 14 people died. Laboratory tests have confirmed officially that it is Ebola.
Where is the epicenter of the disease?
18 patients with Ebola were admitted to hospital in Kigadi in Kibaale in western Uganda. An MSF team zahájl 31st July Kigadi crisis intervention to prevent the spread of the virus
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They Kigadi people in fear of further spread of Ebola?
The local community is understandably very concerned, but the situation is calm and the hospital remains open. If we can prevent the spread of Ebola virus, we get the epidemic under control.
What do you think of the instructions of the President of Uganda, which advises people to limit contact with each other?
It is true that restrict direct contact with other people is a good prophylactic. But people do not spread the infection without symptoms, so people would not be afraid to walk down the street. Avoid contact with body fluids of other people is the best way to stop the epidemic, but this is really necessary only in Kigadi.
Is there a cure for Ebola?
There is still against Ebola specific treatment, but some people survive the disease. Mortality depends on the specific type of virus that may be five. This is an epidemic of Ebola Sudan-type virus, which first appeared in the Sudan in 1976. It's the most deadly variant, but the mortality still reaches 70 percent.
So how is the care of patients?
Patients require intensive supportive care. They are frequently dehydrated and in need of an infusion or oral rehydration solutions. But so far we do not know any specific treatment against Ebola. Tests with several vaccines, but their implementation may take years.
What MSF is doing to prevent the spread of the virus?
MSF's priority is to create a detection system as soon as possible to isolate and treat infected people. We have set up educational teams in communities explain the symptoms of the virus and advises how to avoid the risk of infection.
Why wear medical MSF in contact with those special suits?
Ebola is spread rapidly by direct contact with infected people or animals and can transmit blood, body fluids and clothing contact with an infected person. Therefore, wear MSF special protective suits.
When the first signs were recorded Ebola?
The epidemic was officially announced on 28th July, but the first cases had appeared on the 12th July. The first Ebola symptoms can mimic other diseases, and therefore all patients must be approached with extreme caution. The first case was probably a three-month old girl, whose mother was also ill. When the child died, the family tried to ascertain the cause, but did not find anything. Only circulated rumors of witchcraft. Funeral was attended by 65 people, 15 of whom later became ill and 11 of them had died.
Why is the epidemic of Ebola funerals so dangerous?
Ebola is highly contagious and is spread by body fluids, and funerals are therefore particularly risky - especially if they were not in contact with the body of the deceased used protective equipment. Most deaths in this epidemic are the people who attended the funeral of the girl.
Epidemic has spread to the capital Kampala?
Most cases have been identified so far in Kibaale, where MSF started its intervention. http://www.lekari-bez-hranic.cz/cz/aktuality/2012/uganda/rozhovor-musime-zastavit-sireni-eboly.php
