Dubai: New guidelines have been issued by world health officials to stem the spread of Ebola.
In the wake of the death of the US visitor of a positive case in Spain and suspected cases in Austria and Australia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued recommendations for all member states for effective screenings at Points of Entry (PoE) and protective measures for the hospital staff in case of an affected person being treated there.
While there are no guidelines specific for the UAE or for the Middle East region, Tarek Jasarevic, a spokesperson from WHO told Gulf News, “Member states can do as they deem appropriate.”
Daniel Epstein from WHO Washington told Gulf News: “After the declaration of a public health emergency, the advice for countries that was issued , says all countries should be prepared to detect and manage suspected Ebola cases, and should provide information on how to deal with suspected Ebola to travellers, general public, health workers, airline and ground staff.
In the guidelines, WHO says: “Public health emergency plans and standard operational procedures should be in place at designated PoEs, in accordance with international best practices, agreements, and the International Health Regulations. The aim is to provide early detection of potentially infected persons; to assist in implementing WHO recommendations related to Ebola management; and to prevent the international spread of the disease while allowing PoE authorities to avoid unnecessary restrictions and delays.”
