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Offline Stephen

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Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« on: July 08, 2014, 03:43:32 PM »
I'd like to start this thread to pass along first-hand reports (OK, it's second hand since it goes through me) from some folks who are in the area where the Ebola virus is currently active. I am vice-president of a non-profit corporation that provides financial and logistical support for missionaries stationed in Sierra Leone, West Africa. They are in a small village that is at the site of a gold mining operation. There is both informal gold mining and a large European mining operation there. When they have access to the web (usually through a connection in the office at the mine), they send me reports of what is going on there, and I send them news reports that I find. Just like in America, the government of Sierra Leone routinely down-plays the story or even denies there is a problem - especially if there is an election coming up (sound familiar?), so news reports really are "news" even to those who are the "boots on the ground."

Here's a brief note from this morning's email:
Quote
Also - to keep you informed there's now one confirmed Ebola death in Bo.  The man traveled to and back from a heavily effected area and, gee, some how managed to bring it back with him.  There are "screening check points" but if one gets to the check point before the heath screening begins for the day - one passes on his merry way.  Or if you are screened and have not fever, you travel on.  Oh well.

I'll also post some previous reports if there is an interest here.

Offline -> Bear

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2014, 05:00:02 PM »
I'm interested.
   Add a checkmark for me.

I do think its going to be spread farther than where its at. And a weaponised form will also be "tested" and used eventually if it ain't all ready.

Offline Stephen

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2014, 05:16:42 PM »
Following is a notice that they received from the U.S. Embassy.

U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

June 13, 2014


This is an update to the notice of June 6, 2014, in which we alerted U.S. citizens to the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone.  As of June 13, there are 43 confirmed Ebola cases with 16 fatalities.  All of these cases can be traced back to contact with individuals in Kailahun District, near the Guinea border.


The Government of Sierra Leone is implementing new surveillance, detection, reporting, and prevention measures as part of a more robust national strategy in addressing the outbreak of the EVD.


A number of these measures only apply to Kailahun District, the epicenter of the EVD outbreak:

1.    Passengers entering and leaving Kailahun District will be screened at health checkpoints.

2.    All schools will be closed in Kailahun District.  Alternate arrangements are being made for students taking the upcoming National Basic Education Examination (BECE).

3.    Public gatherings will be prohibited. This includes gatherings at cinemas, cultural activities, and night clubs.



Other measures will apply across the country:

1.    Cross-border trade fairs (known locally as “Lumors”) will be temporarily closed.

2.    Any person with symptoms of EVD must be reported to the appropriate community health professional.

3.    All deaths must be reported and certified by an authorized health professional prior to burial.

4.    All EVD related deaths must be buried at the place of occurrence under the supervision of health personnel.

Contracting the virus can be avoided through practicing good preventative measures.  The virus is easily killed by contact with soap, bleach, sunlight, or drying.  You will not contract EVD if you are not in contact with the body fluids of someone who is ill with EVD or the corpse of someone who has died of EVD.  Also avoid bat and primate (bush) meat as it can transmit EVD to humans.

The U.S. Embassy is open for business as usual, including the consular section.


For more information:

· Continue to visit the U.S. Embassy Freetown website and Facebook page for regular updates.

· Visit the World Health Organization website.

· Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Sierra Leone enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions by visiting the U.S. Embassy Freetown website. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.  If you don't have internet access, you can get current information on safety and security by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, or for callers from other countries, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The U.S. Embassy in Freetown is located at Leicester Square, Regent. If you have questions or concerns about safety or related issues, contact the consular section at the Embassy by sending an email to You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login or calling 232(76) 515-000 or 076-515-000.  For after- hours emergencies, please call Tel:  232-(76) 515-000 or 076-515-000.

Offline Stephen

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2014, 05:31:20 PM »
Following is a prayer letter that went out to supporting churches:


Following is a message from the missionaries to the church and supporters:

Tuesday June 17, 2014

To our praying friends:

Undoubtedly many of you have heard news regarding the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in West African countries.  We have hesitated to generally request prayer for this because we weren’t directly effected by it and didn’t want to cause undue alarm.  It was hoped that the virus would be quickly contained in Guinea, the country where the outbreak started.  Unfortunately that is not the case and we now feel that the time has come to ask you, our prayer partners, to bring this matter before the Throne of Grace.

After beginning in a remote area of southern Guinea the virus crossed the borders of Liberia and Sierra Leone.  People in the region are fairly transient and the borders are porous facilitating the spread of the virus. Ebola has now reached Kenema, a large town about 4 hours to our south-east.  You may recall from Field Reports that this town is on our evangelism circuit.  This is also the town where our son John attends school.  He is currently home and has given us the report of general panic as there have been several deaths from the Ebola virus.  Medical personnel have confirmed the deaths to be from Ebola but it is not being reported on the radio or in other media as yet.  Some consideration was given to the possible closing of schools in Kenema as there remains only four weeks to this academic year but as of Tuesday the decision has been made for the schools to remain open.  John returns to Kenema on Wednesday.  Fortunately, because he’s in SS-3 (equivalent to 12th grade) he will only have one week of exams and then will return to Baomahun.

___ and ___ along with one or two students had planned to travel Kono district in the extreme east of Sierra Leone.  This was a reconnaissance trip to make necessary arrangements to add this heavily Muslim region to the evangelism circuit next dry season.  It is also very close to the area where the Ebola virus crossed into Sierra Leone so it was decided it would be in the best interest of everyone involved to not make this trip.

We want to stress that there’s no cause for alarm.  Ebola can be easily contained through quick prudent actions.  The main problem here is the horrendous personal hygiene and lack of community sanitation.  Further complicating the issue is people’s reliance on traditional medicine (witch doctors, black magic etc.)  Many are denying that there’s even an Ebola virus at all and therefore take no precautions.  Others die in remote villages without going to a health post so the spread goes unreported.

Two years ago Sierra Leone had a cholera epidemic.  It also happened to be just a few months before the presidential election which didn’t look good for the incumbent who was up for re-election.  The government imposed a news blackout regarding the epidemic and told hospitals, clinics, and health posts to STOP reporting the number of deaths.  The government also impounded all available doxycyline, the preferred antibiotic used to treat cholera, and hoarded it in Freetown making it unavailable to small clinics such as the one in our town.  Our medical officer was unable to adequately treat the sick and many died.  Consequently we’re a bit suspicious as to why the Ebola deaths in Kenema are not being publicly reported.  Bo is the next large town from Kenema.  Please pray that it doesn’t reach Bo as it is a main hub for country-wide travel as well as travel to Liberia.  But with the rains we won’t be traveling much and will be extra cautious with physical contact.  Thank you for praying; it’s greatly appreciated.  We’re well and still having fun.

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2014, 10:16:01 AM »
Good info.  Stephen thx.

Offline Stephen

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2014, 09:05:20 AM »
Another update from the folks in Sierra Leone received this morning:

"Ebola is much worse than the governments are acknowledging. We have information from a very reliable source who works for the mining company. He's currently stationed in Liberia and Ivory Coast but just made a brief trip here. He said it's very serious but no one is talkiing about it. That was the same reaction to the civil wars in both countries. Don't talk about it, maybe it will go away. We are now having difficulty getting meds as the pharmacies are not getting deliveries. We have nearly two years' supply of doxy (malaria prophylaxis and cholera treatment). We're quietly stocking non-perishables along with rice and dried beans and fuel. Once people really realize what's happening they'll hit panic and nothing will be available. We have exit plan in place should it come to that or if our gvt embassy orders "non-essential personnel" to leave."

They also asked that I continue sending them news reports - internet is very becoming "more cumbersome, but not impossible."


Offline Stephen

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2014, 09:34:17 AM »
Just received another update (actually, it was probably sent at about the same time as the previous one).

Okay - I trust our government more than the SL gvt but... I just tried to link to an article dated July 2 which was critical of the US gvt not issuing travel warnings due to Ebola. Mysteriously the link has been removed and cannot connect. CDC web site has not been updated since mid june and the outbreak is rapidly increasing. We've not received anything from the US Embassy since June 18. Hmmmm... I get the distinct impression that we're not getting the full story. Thought you'd like to know!

Keep in mind that internet is pretty shaky over there, so it's possible that this is nothing more than a series of bad connections. OK, not likely, but possible.


Offline Bumbury

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2014, 11:18:07 AM »
Stephen glade for the info your providing... its gonna be good to get 1st hand info...

Offline siege571

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #8 on: July 16, 2014, 02:13:16 AM »
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Just received another update (actually, it was probably sent at about the same time as the previous one).

Okay - I trust our government more than the SL gvt but... I just tried to link to an article dated July 2 which was critical of the US gvt not issuing travel warnings due to Ebola. Mysteriously the link has been removed and cannot connect. CDC web site has not been updated since mid june and the outbreak is rapidly increasing. We've not received anything from the US Embassy since June 18. Hmmmm... I get the distinct impression that we're not getting the full story. Thought you'd like to know!

Keep in mind that internet is pretty shaky over there, so it's possible that this is nothing more than a series of bad connections. OK, not likely, but possible.

As far as not receiving messages from the US embassy in SL goes, your colleagues may be subscribed to only certain kinds of messages that go out to US citizens in SL. There have definitely been updates since June 18--there were updates on the embassy site on June 24, June 28, and a couple days ago on July 14. Have them check the site and make sure they are getting all the latest info:
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Other recent ebola updates:

CDC July 6 update
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WHO July 7 update
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TEPHINET July 15 update
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And my fave for keeping up with germs around the world--it's updated nearly every day. Your colleagues can subscribe and get an e-mail digest sent to them every day or so if they don't want the hassle of going to the website. They collect from all sources--WHO, CDC, MSF, NGOs, national governments, individuals, etc.
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Offline Stephen

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2014, 10:32:01 AM »
U.S. Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

July 15, 2014

This is an update to the notice of June 13, 2014, in which we alerted U.S. citizens to the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone. As of July 15, there are 369 confirmed Ebola cases with 118 confirmed fatalities. Sixty individuals have survived. All of these cases can be traced back to contact with individuals in Kailahun District, near the Guinea border.

The Government of Sierra Leone established an Emergency Operations Center with the World Health Organization. U.S. government experts are assisting the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the WHO efforts. Please be aware that surveillance, detection, reporting, and prevention measures are critical to ending the outbreak and cooperate with local authorities implementing them. The Government of Sierra Leone also reminded the public that harboring a suspected Ebola case is a crime.

There are increased checkpoints in affected districts, especially Kailahun District, the epicenter of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, and Kenema and Bo.

Passengers entering and leaving affected areas will be screened at health checkpoints.

All schools will be closed in Kailahun District. Alternate arrangements are being made for students taking the upcoming National Basic Education Examination (BECE).

Public gatherings will be prohibited. This includes gatherings at cinemas, cultural activities, night clubs, and other public gatherings.


Other measures will apply across the country:

Cross-border trade fairs (known locally as “Lumors”) will be temporarily closed.

Any person with symptoms of EVD must be reported to the appropriate community health professional.

All deaths must be reported and certified by an authorized health professional prior to burial.

All EVD related deaths must be buried at the place of occurrence under the supervision of health personnel.

As a reminder to all U.S. citizens, contracting the virus can be avoided through practicing good preventative measures. The virus is easily killed by contact with soap, bleach, sunlight, or drying. You will not contract EVD if you are not in contact with the body fluids of someone who is ill with EVD or the corpse of someone who has died of EVD. Also avoid bat and primate (bush) meat as it can transmit EVD to humans.

The U.S. Embassy is open for business as usual, including the consular section.


For more information:

Continue to visit the U.S. Embassy Freetown website and Facebook page for regular updates.

Visit the World Health Organization website.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Sierra Leone enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Sierra Leone. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.

The U.S. Embassy in Freetown is located at Leicester Square, Regent. If you have questions or concerns about safety or related issues, contact the consular section at the Embassy by sending an email to You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login or calling 232 (76) 515-000 or (076) 515-000. For after- hours emergencies, please call 232 (76) 515-000 or (076) 515-000.

Offline Bumbury

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #10 on: July 18, 2014, 11:49:14 AM »
thanks for the update Stephen

Offline Stephen

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #11 on: July 18, 2014, 02:38:50 PM »
Another update from a prayer letter. Not much new here, but provides some good background.

Quote
Most likely many of you have heard news regarding the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in West African countries.  We have hesitated to generally request prayer for this because we weren’t directly effected by it and didn’t want to cause undue alarm.  It was hoped that the virus would be quickly contained in Guinea, the country where the outbreak started.  Unfortunately that is not the case and Doctors Without Borders along with the World Health Organization have now declared that the virus is “out of control” in the three effected countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.  Fear and ignorance of the dreaded disease are fueling its spread as people seek treatment from “traditional healers” – witchdoctors who themselves then become infected and continue the spread.  People are walking away from quarantine wards preferring to die in their homes.  Churches are harboring patients professing to be able to heal them. Many are claiming that Ebola is a government conspiracy and even saying that it doesn’t actually exist.  Others die in remote villages without going to a health post so the spread goes unreported.  Extremely poor sanitation and personal hygiene also contribute to the spread.

How does Ebola effect us?  By curtailing some scheduled evangelism trips.  In addition to some follow up visits, _____ and I along with two students had planned to travel Kono district in the extreme east of Sierra Leone.  This was to be a reconnaissance trip to make necessary arrangements to add this heavily Muslim region to the evangelism circuit next dry season.  It is also very close to the area where the Ebola virus crossed into Sierra Leone and is now an Ebola “hot spot” so we decided it would be in the best interest of everyone involved to not make this excursion.  As of this writing there has been one confirmed Ebola death in Bo, evidence that the spread is continuing.  We ask you to pray for God’s mercy on these countries mired in spiritual darkness.

Offline Bumbury

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #12 on: July 18, 2014, 06:08:40 PM »
thanks steve.. i think we are going to get a better report from the Dr without boarders than the governments....

Offline Stephen

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #13 on: July 18, 2014, 07:10:09 PM »
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thanks steve.. i think we are going to get a better report from the Dr without boarders than the governments....
Agreed. Governments always have their agendas. They truly believe that the lies they tell are for the good of the people. I'm not just repeating what others have said either - I've been deeply involved in politics for quite a few years. For the past 19 years, I have made my living providing computer and data services to political campaigns; I've been a candidate, a treasurer, a speech-writer, a convention delegate, and various other positions and activities. If there is one thing that politicians are good at, it is convincing themselves that what they are doing is truly for the good of the people - no matter what it is. Yes, I've found myself doing the same thing - justifying things I've done - much to my shame. That is one reason why I stopped dealing with politics other than having candidates and campaigns as paying customers. It is corrosive to the soul, and no one is immune to the effects that can have. Anyway, enough of all that. Bottom line here is that while most folks look at politicians as evil liars, the fact is that they really do believe what they say, and they really do believe that withholding information is for the good of the people.

Offline Bumbury

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Re: Ebola Field Report from folks who are there
« Reply #14 on: July 18, 2014, 07:58:16 PM »
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thanks steve.. i think we are going to get a better report from the Dr without boarders than the governments....
Agreed. Governments always have their agendas. They truly believe that the lies they tell are for the good of the people. I'm not just repeating what others have said either - I've been deeply involved in politics for quite a few years. For the past 19 years, I have made my living providing computer and data services to political campaigns; I've been a candidate, a treasurer, a speech-writer, a convention delegate, and various other positions and activities. If there is one thing that politicians are good at, it is convincing themselves that what they are doing is truly for the good of the people - no matter what it is. Yes, I've found myself doing the same thing - justifying things I've done - much to my shame. That is one reason why I stopped dealing with politics other than having candidates and campaigns as paying customers. It is corrosive to the soul, and no one is immune to the effects that can have. Anyway, enough of all that. Bottom line here is that while most folks look at politicians as evil liars, the fact is that they really do believe what they say, and they really do believe that withholding information is for the good of the people.

steven thanks for the background confession...   :o  ^-^ ^-^... no really i think you can give us a little insight into the political sphere we all well at least me lack any... thanks

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