COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

HEALTH PROMOTION RESOURCE CENTRE

Tel:
Fax:
E-mail:

4th Floor, Government

Headquarters
Kennedy Avenue
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica

(767) 266 3469/ 3470/ 3342

(767) 448 6086
healthpromotion@dominica.gov.dm /
healthp3@gmail.com

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
PUBLIC STATEMENT
EBOLA VIRUS OUTBREAK IN WEST AFRICA
August 8th, 2014
The world is presently witnessing the largest outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in history
with over 1700 cases identified and over 900 deaths. As a result, even as we await the
decisions from the World Health Organizations Emergency Committee meeting taking
place in Geneva this week, the Ministry of Health has started increasing preventative
measures in response to this threat.
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever), is a
severe, often fatal illness. Up to 9 out of every 10 people with the infection die. There are
no licensed specific treatments or vaccine available for use in people or animals. The
time between acquiring an infection and showing symptoms and signs varies from 2 to
21 days.

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The virus is highly infectious and is spread by person-to-person transmission

through direct contact with bodily fluids or secretions of infected persons
including blood, sweat, urine or faeces.
The most common symptoms experienced by persons infected with the virus are the
sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.
This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function,
and at advanced stage, both internal and external bleeding.

Although Dominica does not have direct flights with countries where transmission of
Ebola is currently being documented, the introduction of Ebola Virus Disease into our
Region may occur through international air travellers.
Furthermore, in the light of the current epidemiological and social context, preparedness
efforts to face the introduction of possible Ebola cases is warranted even though the risk
to Dominica is low.
The Honourable Minister for Health is keeping Cabinet abreast of all developments and
the Government of Dominica is making every effort to protect our citizens from the Ebola
Virus.
Immediate measures are being taken to strengthen the surveillance system already in
place under the International Health Regulations. This includes providing relevant
information to travellers, increasing medical staff at ports of entry, mobilizing appropriate
protective gear, making arrangements for quarantine of persons who are suspect.
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In addition, discussions and consultations are taking place between Ministry of Health
officials and relevant stakeholders in our community as well as with international
partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
Local health personnel are being updated on how to recognize and manage Ebola and
all relevant stakeholders are being informed so that necessary plans are in place.

The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the Public informed about Ebola and
urges everyone to pay close attention to the messages that will be disseminated
in the coming days and weeks. A hotline number will be made available shortly to
receive further information or advice.

Ministry of Health

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