Aviation, medical authorities intensify Ebola preparations

Sep 22, 2014 News

– old GAC hangar identified as isolation area

By Zena Henry

The old Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC) hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has been designated as an Ebola isolation point for possibly infected person(s) entering the country.
The area was selected by aviation and port officials.
The deadly West Africa outbreak has the globe on high alert and all countries have been warned by international health organizations to ensure necessary precautions for any possible cases reaching their shores.
Chief Medical Officer Shamdeo Persaud told Kaieteur News yesterday that Guyana is following protocol and has commenced or is in the process of strengthening programmes at the various ports.

An Ebola victim who died in Guekedou, Guinea on April 1. (Image: Seyllou/AFP)

The GAC hangar at the country’s largest entry point is being converted into a holding area for screening of persons who are possibly infected.
Shamdeo said that in the interim, the airport has set up an office and examination room where persons could be screened until the quarantine area is fully prepared. This area will be equipped with special facilities necessary for dealing with the infection. He said this space would be able to house an entire aircraft should the need arise.
“If the plane reports any possibilities (of infected passengers) and the need arises, the hangar will be able to facilitate the entire aircraft,” the Chief Medical officer stated. He said that the hangar has electricity, washroom and other facilities and the plane will even be able to refuel until the screening process is over.
At the Ogle International Airport (OIA), there are also two examination rooms where possible cases could be screened. Dr. Persaud pointed out that diversion of airplanes is possible, since the CJIA will be better equipped to handle such cases. Port personnel are also following specific guidelines and are keeping a close eye on persons coming from West African countries and related areas.
Dr. Shamdeo explained that the Ministry of Health will install facilities in one of the state ambulances so it can be used to transport persons that show suspected symptoms.
Additionally, the agency’s specialist in infectious diseases is also heading a “rapid response team” which will be specially trained to handle Ebola cases. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines are being put together to deal with the cases.
Health officials are also in possession of some 700 protective suits, which include helmets and special gloves.
While private hospitals are also being urged to ensure quarantined area for any possible Ebola cases, the country’s public facility is also making preparations, the CMO said.
The Port Health Department is an extension of the Health Ministry and they are responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation’s ports of entry and exit. Dr. Persaud said that outside of the aviation sector, moves are also being made to prepare other areas such as Lethem and Moleson Creek, Berbice.
Quarantine and safety features for such harmful health related issues have always been in place, Dr. Persaud told Kaieteur News, but in the case of Ebola, strengthening mechanisms have to be put in. During this week, out-of-town ports will be visited to monitor and ensure all precautions are taken, Dr. Persaud disclosed.
As of 26 August 2014, 3,069 suspected cases of Ebola resulting in the deaths of 1,552 persons have been reported. The current cases occurred in western parts of Africa and have rapidly spread across adjoining borders. The deadly virus is passed through contact with bodily fluids and certain animals including bats and monkeys. The virus attacks the immune system and could kill a person in a matter of days.