Ebola
The death toll mounted to more than
961 individuals, with nearly 30 deaths occurring on Tuesday and Wednesday alone. Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and most recently
Nigeria have been effected by the most severe outbreak since the virus was
discovered. The World Health Organisation have asked leaders
of effected countries to activate national disaster mechanisms. Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said that
Ebola “is an infectious disease which can be contained . . . by no means
implies that all countries, or that many countries, will see Ebola cases."
The US Food and Drug Administration has lifted
regulatory holds on the experimental drug that Tekmira Pharmaceuticals has been
developing for Ebola outbreaks. The experimental drug has shown the ability to
protect non-human primates from Ebola. Human trials began in January, however full FDA
approval is yet to be given.
The two US aid workers who contracted Ebola
remain in isolation in Atlanta. Officials say they have been given an
experimental drug known as ZMapp. The health of the two aid workers is said to be
improving. Returning aid workers who have worked in Ebola
affected countries are being placed in a three week quarantine by Health
Officials in North Carolina.
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