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New infections fuel the fear of a re-emergence of the Ebola epidemic
Seven weeks after the alleged end of the Ebola epidemic in Liberia, the virus was detected in a deceased 17-year-old boy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The boy was already ill on 21 June and had exhibited typical Ebola symptoms before his death. Now the fear of a return of the disease grows. More than 10,500 people had been infected with the Ebola virus in the context of the epidemic in Liberia, according to the WHO, and around 4,800 people had died as a result of the disease.
Afraid of Ebola. Image: Lukas Gojda - fotolia Joy is followed by renewed fear
After the United Nations declared victory over Ebola in Liberia in early May, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, expressing their joy with dance and music. About one and a half years after the outbreak of the epidemic, the fight finally seemed won. At the height of the plague, public life in Liberia had almost come to a standstill. More than 400 new infections were registered at this time per week. The medical facilities were unable to ensure adequate treatment of the infected and medical staff were also more likely to develop infections in the face of catastrophic conditions. Hardly anyone dared to think of an end to the epidemic at the beginning of the year.
Three new infections detected in Liberia
Subsequently, however, the numbers of infections continued to decline and in early May, the United Nations declared the epidemic in Liberia over. On June 28, however, died the 17-year-old boy, which was subsequently detected an infection with the Ebola virus. In controls around the infected person, according to the WHO, two other infected persons could be identified. Both are from the same small village as the infected boy and are now being cared for at an Ebola treatment center in the capital, Monrovia, according to the WHO statement. Another patient, for whom there is currently no clear finding, is also in isolation at the treatment center. Nearly 200 more people are also being monitored.
Population traumatized by Ebola
The authorities in Margibi district (near the capital Monrovia) confirmed the new case of Ebola last week and two other infections have been detected, and concerns about a recurrence of the disease are huge. The new infections are a setback in the fight against Ebola and should be understood as a wake-up call, reports "Spiegel Online", citing the aid organization Oxfam. So far unanswered questions need to be addressed urgently to understand what causes the new infections, quoted "Spiegel Online" the Oxfam Country Director Mamudu Salifu. The expert cited as essential points the question of whether Ebola in Liberia might be endemic and whether the country is currently better prepared for a nine outbreak. Even today, the long-term consequences of the epidemic are visible in the population everywhere. The fear has caused people to be traumatized, with the three most affected countries (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia) suffering from a stigma inflicted on them by Ebola, according to Mamudu Salifu. Never again will the life of the people be as it once was. Because her whole behavior has adapted to the virus. This means, for example, that there are often no shaking hands, no touches and no hugs.
Setback for the economic situation
The renewed fear of the disease is in the opinion of the experts an extreme setback - also for the economic situation in Liberia. "It is bad that we are back in this situation - not only because many people could die, but also in terms of the country's economy, development and image," Spiegel Online quotes political analyst Sando Wayne , In the end, the Ebola epidemic had a devastating impact on the economy, both in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Earlier growth rates, which were already starting from a low level, have now collapsed. Many people lost their jobs and children could not be educated because of the months-long closure of all schools. Moreover, governments have invested significant sums in the fight against the disease. Funds that are now missing elsewhere. Therefore understandable the fear of a renewed outbreak of the disease.
Ebola outbreak not over yet
The cause of the current resurgence of the virus is according to the experts so far unknown. In general, however, several factors play a key role in the serious control of Ebola in West Africa. Here, for example, the high population density in the centers of the affected states is having a negative impact. In rural areas, a particularly bad medical infrastructure is added. In addition, the pathogens can be easily imported across the country's borders from affected states, which is why the risk of an outbreak continues to exist in neighboring countries, reports "Spiegel Online". Overall, the Ebola outbreak is not over yet, quotes the news portal the Ebola expert of Doctors Without Borders, Rosa Crestani. Again and again, there would be cases "that come from unknown transmission chains - that is, we do not know how people are sick." So long as not all transmission chains are identified, therefore, the victory over Ebola can not be proclaimed. (Fp)