Blurred lines over ebola but some countries really need help

Some of your recent letters (‘If HSE struggles with superbugs how could it ever tackle ebola?’) have blurred the realities of the ebola virus disease (EVD).

To be clear, it is not airborne, is only transmitted through bodily fluids secretions, and people are not infectious unless they are showing symptoms. The fatality rate of the current epidemic is between 50% and 60%. Yes EVD is likely underreported but this is largely due to the fact that the vast majority of its victims are located in rural West Africa, where health facilities are highly inadequate. Ireland, along with all other western nations, would be able to manage any case of EVD and rapidly put measures in place to shut it down and ensure it does not spread.

Nigeria has shown how this can be done and has, to date, effectively contained its minor outbreak. All countries should be prepared for EVD but fear mongering should not be used to isolate nations further when the WHO is advising no travel or trade restrictions.

Assistance is desperately needed to deal with EVD in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and increased restrictions could further hinder the effort to eliminate the potentially deadly virus disease. Staff, equipment and logistics are currently needed to ensure the situation does not worsen. Let us hope Ireland continues to contribute to this international effort in any way it can so that these West African nations can overcome this scourge as quickly as possible.

Ross McCarthy

Freetown

Sierra Leone