Late in ordering hazmat suits

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

EDITOR, The Tribune.

My name is Philip Dorsett and I have a relative who is a health care professional here in the Bahamas. I recently had an in-depth conversation with this person in regards to the Bahamas’ readiness to the Ebola epidemic. I was blatantly told that we were grossly under-prepared.

Apparently the Bahamas was late in ordering the requisite hazmat suits that the health care professionals require to ensure their own safety.

Hence at present, if someone from one of the West African nations travels here with flu symptoms and goes to the hospital or clinic and is diagnosed with Ebola, there is zero protection for the medical care professionals. This of course was very alarming to me.

Based on the seriousness of this epidemic, I am also concerned that I have not heard any public announcements from the Government on the threat of Ebola and what to do if you think you were infected.

The person who spoke to me informed me that during the official meetings the Ministry of Health has put on in response to Ebola, there was a general feeling in the room that no one really knew what was going on, and sort of a general belief that Ebola is not coming here so don’t worry about it…

I have done some limited research into Ebola, and what I have found is that Ebola can be passed on by a simple touch, which I feel is quite alarming.

I am therefore writing to request that you use the power available to you to research my claims and at the very least, get the Government to address the public on this issue.

PHILIP DORSETT

Chief Compliance Officer

Sure Trader,

Nassau,

October 8, 2014.

ChaosObserver 9 years, 6 months ago

Mr. Dorsett, When an infection of ebola does occur in humans, the virus can be spread in several ways to others. Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus infected animals. Ebola is not spread through the air or by water, or in general, by food. However, in Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of handling bushmeat (wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats. There is no evidence that mosquitos or other insects can transmit Ebola virus. Only mammals (for example, humans, bats, monkeys, and apes) have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus.

Healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting sick because they may come in contact with infected blood or body fluids of sick patients. During outbreaks of Ebola, the disease can spread quickly within healthcare settings (such as a clinic or hospital). Exposure to Ebola can occur in healthcare settings where hospital staff are not wearing appropriate protective equipment, including masks, gowns, and gloves and eye protection.