The second batch of Korean aid workers who treated patients infected with the deadly Ebola virus in Sierra Leone have safely returned to Korea after four weeks of humanitarian work.
The second team, consisting of four doctors and five nurses, returned to Korea on February 23. They treated Ebola patients at a clinic in Goderich, a town near Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, working there for nearly one month, since January 26. They also conducted blood tests on their patients, among other procedures.
Upon their return, they have now been quarantined in a secluded facility and will stay there for three weeks, the maximum latent period for the Ebola virus. After going through medical checks during that period, they will be able to return to their normal lives. There is currently no one who shows any Ebola symptoms.
A second team of supporters, responsible for the safety and operations of the humanitarian work undertaken by the medical professionals, also returned to Korea separately. They did not have direct contact with Ebola patients and they will not be quarantined, though their conditions, including their body temperature, will be monitored over a course of three weeks.
The third batch of five rescue workers who departed Korea on February 7 have completed training in Britain to prepare for their humanitarian work in Sierra Leone. They started taking care of Ebola patients on February 23 and will stay there over the next four weeks, until March 21, before returning to Korea on March 23.
The Korean government's humanitarian aid to help Ebola patients will officially end on April 12 when the third batch of medical professionals return to Korea and complete their three-week stay in a quarantine facility.
By Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
jun2@korea.kr