Ebola Task Force meeting

I arrived at Mulago early in the morning to attend an Ebola Task Force meeting. I wanted to learn more about the Ebola outbreak, and see if there were any ways to help out without putting my life in danger. Dr. Pierre Rollin from the CDC started us off with a talk about Ebolavirus in general, and Sudan Ebolavirus, the strain currently afflicting Uganda, in particular. I learned many reassuring things. First of all, I learned that Ebolavirus is generally very easy to destroy – UV light, bleach, heat (30 minutes at 60^oC will kill it), and even soap and water can easily kill the virus. It is however, very infectious, and can be found in all bodily fluids (though it is a matter of debate exactly how infectious the sweat of an Ebola patient really is). The virus can even be found in the semen of men who have been infected with Ebola up to 3 months after recovery – so men are advised against sex for at least 3 months, and to use condoms in case of emergency.

We were assured that with the right personal protective equipment correctly worn, coupled with diligent handwashing, we will be well-protected against the virus. And the most reassuring fact of all – you cannot spread the virus while you’re asymptomatic. Take home point – if you pay attention to your own health, and present yourself to the Ebola isolation ward as soon as you start feeling unwell, you will almost never endanger those around you to the devastations of Ebola.

So Ebola wasn’t so terrifying after all. I decided to volunteer to work at the isolation ward, especially after I got Dr. Etolu to promise to come take care of me if I happened to catch the virus. He is the best doctor I have ever met, so I figured with him as my personal physician, I would have the maximum chances of survival. But there were no Ebola patients there at the moment. Both the patients who were there had tested negative for Ebola. Well, I certainly hope that the Ebola outbreak has indeed died down, and that there will be no new Ebola patients admitted to our hospital. But if there are, I will be there to take care of them.