Ebola concern

THE fatal virus Ebola has broken out in an epidemic form in West Africa. Since its outbreak at least 14 Ebola victims have been treated outside West Africa and among them Thomas Eric Duncan died in Dallas — the first Ebola fatality in the United States. Against this backdrop, six Bangladeshis recently returned from Liberia, an Ebola inflicted country. However, none of them is reported to have been infected by the virus.  

Since Ebola has an incubation period of some three weeks during which patients remain asymptomatic, there is a need to follow through. Moreover, according to specialists, some patients remain asymptomatic in spite of having a strong inflammatory response. They can infect others. This important health aspect should be borne in mind and acted upon.

Given the fact that this dangerous virus could spread fast, the health ministry had declared a 90-day alert that began on 11 August. The alert should be followed with due diligence and, if necessary, an extension made to it.

All entry points into the country, including land and sea ports, would have to be equipped with proper modes for screening the incoming passengers.

Akin to most international airports, our airports too should adopt strict monitoring methods for deterring free entry of Ebola virus carriers.