Liberian epidemic ends
Liberia passes two 21-day incubation cycles with no new Ebola cases, passing the threshold for declaring the country’s epidemic to be over. This has led the WHO to declare West Africa’s Ebola epidemic to be over as well, although the organization cautions that the region may still see flare-ups. Ebola killed more than 11,000 people in West Africa during the epidemic, which began in late 2013. WHO chief Chan:
So much was needed and so much was accomplished by national authorities, heroic health workers, civil society, local and international organizations and generous partners.
Condition deteriorates
Doctors say Cafferkey is now in critical condition, and that she is suffering an “unusual late complication” of her previous infection. Health authorities have emphasised that the risk to the general public remains low. However, 58 people who had been in close contact with her are being monitored by Health Protection Scotland, 25 of them have been vaccinated.
WHO can’t handle Epidemics
A 28 page report by a panel led by Dame Stocking says the World Health Organisation unable to handle public health emergencies judging from its performance in the Ebola epidemic. The report suggests fault in WHO’s financial preparedness, reliance on diplomacy, and lack of decisive actions by director general Chan. Furthermore, the report recommends regional and country representatives to play a more active role in pushing their governments to take immediate action to epidemics; this is in response to WHO’s delayed declaration of an Ebola crisis only after the death of 1,000 people.
WHO does not currently possess the capacity or organisational culture to deliver a full emergency public health response.
WHO accepts the report’s criticism and prepares improvements to its workforce and financial reserves. Medecins Sans Frontieres Dr. Liu:
The question is how will this translate into real action on the ground in future outbreaks?
Plans to sue
Pham plans to file suit against Texas Health Resources for ‘corporate neglect, alleging that Texas Health Resources failed to develop policies and provide proper training for staff dealing with Ebola patients.
I wanted to believe that they would have my back and take care of me, but they just haven’t risen to the occasion….I was the last person besides Mr. Duncan to find out he was positive. You’d think the primary nurse would be the first to know. … I broke down and cried, not because I thought I had it but just because it was a big ‘whoa, this is really happening’ moment.
Texas Health Resources spokesman Wendell Watson:
Nina Pham bravely served Texas Health Dallas during a most difficult time. We continue to support and wish the best for her, and we remain optimistic that constructive dialogue can resolve this matter.
Interview
Hickox gives an interview to media after the state judge rules that she won’t have to stay in quarantine. She says she will comply with the court’s recommendations including direct monitoring.
I’m very satisfied…It’s just a good day.
NBC News interview
Mukpo discusses the effects of his battle with Ebola and his travels to Liberia in an interview with NBC News after being declared free of the virus.
I mean, there’s definitely some physical effects of this that I think are gonna last a while. But I can feel my strength coming back every day. And, I mean, there was a period of time that I was quite sick. And, you know, I was laying in a hospital bed and had no strength. Had various pains. And — and just all kinds of fun stuff going on in my body. I mean, I think it’s important in life to take risks for things that you believe in. But it’s also important to keep yourself safe. So, I mean, it’s hard to call Ebola a learning experience. But I think that I’m gonna walk away from this with some important lessons for the future.
NBC interview
Brantly is interviewed by Lauer for NBC Nightly News.
That morning. I just felt a little off. A little warm. A little under the weather. And I took my temperature and it was 100.0 I think.
I don’t think they ever said, ‘Ken I think you are about to die’. but I felt like I was about to die.