FREETOWN, Sierra Leone ¦ 8 September 2014 – A WHO doctor working in an Ebola treatment centre in Sierra Leone has tested positive for the disease. To ensure the safety of all, WHO will recommend that new admissions be limited while an investigation is launched. The doctor is currently in stable condition in Freetown, and will be evacuated shortly.
The Ebola treatment centre is located in the Kenema Government Hospital, which is run by the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation. WHO’s initial role in the facility was to offer guidance on setting up an Ebola treatment centre, and to provide mentorship and direction to national staff until they could manage the facilities with local capacity.
Health-care workers are the backbone of the Ebola outbreak response and ensuring their safety is critical. While an urgent, thorough, on-site assessment has been initiated by WHO, three doctors will be moved to the clinic to continue oversight of patient care.
Media contacts:
Nyka Alexander in Freetown, Sierra Leone Mobile +232 78 335 660 Email nyka.alexander@gmail.com
Tarik Jasarevic in Geneva Mobile +41 79 747 2756 Email jasarevict@who.int