Ebola outbreak prompts ‘preventive measures’ in Dominica

An Ebola stricken patient being treated in West Africa
An Ebola stricken patient being treated in West Africa

“Preventive measures” are being put in place in Dominica as the world faces the largest outbreak of the deadly disease, Ebola.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak in West Africa as an “international public health emergency” that requires an extraordinary response to stop its spread.

In a release on Friday the Ministry of Health (MOH) said although “Dominica does not have direct flights with countries where transmission of Ebola is currently being documented,” preventive measures are being put in place in response to the threat.

It said “in 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 release noted that the introduction of Ebola Virus Disease into the region may occur through international air travellers.

“Immediate measures are being taken to strengthen the surveillance system already in place under the International Health Regulations,” the MOH said. “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.”

Additionally, “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 release said.

A hotline number will be made available soon and the public will be kept informed on the disease.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever, is a severe, often fatal illness. Up to nine 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 two to 21 days.

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.

 

 

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77 Comments

  1. October 8, 2014

    : i always used to want to go to america or wish i was in america and other places like that but now im happy that i was born in the nature island of the caribbean thank god all mighty for dominica being safe!what about creole in the park though i think people will be scared to go like i am.I think we shold stop people in the countries with Ebola from travelling here so we won’t get infected.:)

  2. Anonymous
    October 8, 2014

    :) i always used to want to go to america or wish i was in america and other places like that but now im happy that i was born in the nature island of the caribbean thank god all mighty for dominica being safe!what about creole in the park though i think people will be scared to go like i am.I think we shold stop people in the countries with Ebola from travelling here so we won’t get infected.

  3. Anonymous
    October 8, 2014

    i always used to want to go to america or wish i was in america and other places like that but now im happy that i was born in the nature island of the caribbean thank god all mighty for dominica being safe!what about creole in the park though i think people will be scared to go like i am.I think we shold stop people in the countries with Ebola from travelling here so we won’t get infected.

  4. fame
    August 12, 2014

    we need to stop these african students from traveling into this country and keep a hold on those that leaves to go visit home for a while,plus screen everyone coming into the country ……DA too small for this type of disease

  5. August 11, 2014

    Good..
    It’s better to prepare than to be caught unprepared…
    And stay that way until the ebola storm passes by…

  6. Anonymous
    August 10, 2014

    A million people a year die in africa from Malaria annually and this virus is a concern . Before everyone panics you need to read up about it ,

  7. dafriend
    August 10, 2014

    I am extremely concerned. After the performance of the government in handling Chikungunya even more so. I hope they are not leaving a single stone unturned to prevent this disease from arriving at our shores. Was it to arrive, Dominica could not cope…!

  8. !!!!!!!!
    August 10, 2014

    Dominica does not have direct flights from the affected countries but we do have 2 offshore medical schools which have Nigerian Students. …As usual, a very narrow-minded approach form the Health Authorities.

  9. Anonymous
    August 10, 2014

    Pedro makes a powerful point. I think to much panic is setting in driven by media and lack of understanding. Too many people do not seek thorough information before saying lets pray and screaming we are all going to die. The death rate in Nigeria for Ebola is 11% for the current out break. Lack of hygiene and poor facilities is the largest cause of spread.

    Where medical systems are breaking down the death rate is higher. It is deadly but risk of spread can be managed if cleanliness prevails.

    I remember when AIDS hit, everyone said we will die from it. Be concerned, but be informed too and pass on what we learn and stay current, but panicking will lead to bad decision making.

    http://www.vox.com/2014/7/31/5952515/facts-you-should-know-about-the-ebola-outbreak

  10. August 10, 2014

    You telling me a virus which has been around for more than 30yrs and cdc cannot trace its origin ….hmmmm!

  11. August 9, 2014

    what plans you got to deal with the masses flooding for wcmf , creole in park and independence celebrations ?

  12. zuko
    August 9, 2014

    how can they say that the risk is low?.. when there are over a hundred Nigerian medical students. who will soon leave to return to their homeland in the same large province , where presently the outbreak is?this students need to be restricted to return to our country until they be tested. bearing in mind the incubation period is 21 days before signs and symptoms can surface.

    • Anonymous
      August 11, 2014

      the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days

  13. Francisco Telemaque
    August 9, 2014

    ‘The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak in West Africa as an “international public health emergency” that requires an extraordinary response to stop its spread.’

    Where was the “WHO” all this time: Ebola is nothing new, as far as I know the disease has been killing people in Africa for more than twenty years now. Now that two so called American health workers got infected while they claim to be helping combat the disease, and had to be flown back to the United States for treatment, all of a sudden the WHO becomes conscious of an outbreak.

    As long as the disease threatened only Black people in Africa, it was not important to talk about, they did not consider the disease an international treat, now the roster seems to be coming home to roost, they are talking about international treat.

    It is interesting to note, they seem to have found a cure, or something temporary to save the life of the two white Americans infected, nevertheless, every African which became infected, some by reason of strength, survived, the majority infected are dead including two Black doctors!

    As for those people in Dominica running off their mouth about treat, they only jumping on the bandwagon, to make themselves feel good. If you are aware that we do not have flights originating in the countries where the disease originates what is the of the hype, in Dominica. Unless, Timothy have a LIAT flight, or better yet Hummingbird flight originating in the Ebola zone, there is no need for Dominicans to worry.

    Since when infected with Ebola, within hours the symptoms appear, and the patient becomes more or less immobilized. I would worry if we had an International Airport, and we had flights originating in Africa, and perhaps Europe. Until we have an International Airport built and goes into operation, the emergency, and excitement in Dominica is like finding fools goal!

    In Any event the people flying on LIAT to the Labor Party International Municipal Pink, and Yellow Elephant on which back LIAT aircrafts lands Melville Hall, should not worry, it will be like a miracle if Ebola reach Dominica. They only way it will get there is if it is carried by someone who is immune from the effects of the disease, such people are term carriers; like in the case of Aids, some people are carriers of the virus, yet they take no medication, they look healthy, yet they are a living time bomb.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Yes
      August 11, 2014

      Mr. Telemacque. I always look forward to your opinions on DNO and majority of the time I agree with you.

      Sorry to say not this time. While LIAT may not be carrying passengers directly from Africa or while we may not have an international airport we have a large influx of Africans coming to and leaving Dominica more than two times a year.

      While in your opinion the illness may not sound so severe due to your in-depth research we cannot ignore the facts that I have presented. I think the Government putting a plan forward “as they claim” is a good idea.

  14. me
    August 9, 2014

    haaaaaaaa
    true dat

    • me
      August 9, 2014

      that was suppose to be a reply…

  15. August 9, 2014

    The Facts, As a Dominican working in the Health Profession here in Canada, you need to relate the news to Dominican outside Canada truthfully without excluding the major details
    In your comment you noted that you hope it is and isolated case and nothing more because according to you, quote and quote, ” this disease will spread like wildfire in Canada

    The Facts your comment is very misleading and untrue. If find your comment to be nothing more than pure rubbish. You stated in your comment that you hoped it’s an isolated case, quote and quote, otherwise “this disease will spread like wildfire in Ontario and Canada which is not so

    Are you aware that the Nigerian Government onFriday declare a State of Emergancy in Nigeria because of the Ebola Outbreak

    Didn’t you hear on the media stations, that even if a case were to come to Toronto or other cities and provinces in Canada the risk of it spreading like wildfire remains low because of Canada’s preparedness

    The Facts, do you know that from the beginning of the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa Canada have taken step to ensure it’s health system is prepared should a returning traveller be suspected of having the disease

    Also do you know that Canada Hospitals have Sophisticated Infection Control System and procedures to protect Health Providers, patients and all Canadians and are fully equipped to deal with any potential cases of Edola since after the SARS Epidemic

    You should educate yourself get all the facts, before you go out there and spread false comments. I’ve read many of your comments and you are a bias individual when it comes to true. I also read your comments regarding Dr Irvin Pascal where he voiced his concerns regarding the health issues in Dominica and I have to say that you are swaying away from the issues due to your political preference which is not so in Canada, you also demising those you disagree with their comments by demanding them to ask God Forgiveness, saying who will go to Heaven and who is going to Hell, who are you to judge others

    • dafriend
      August 11, 2014

      All well and good. I am absolutely certain that Canada, the USA and Europe could easily cope preventing this disease from spreading was it to arrive on their shores. They have sophisticated infection control systems in place.
      Has Dominica got that? No, they don’t and that is the reason we have to be worried. Don’t compare the Health system and facilities in Canada, the States and Europe with those in Dominica. We are ill prepared, ill equipped and have a Health department that has not got a glue…

  16. Gasparo Contarini
    August 9, 2014

    If the Govt gets involved we will all die, what u need to do is stock of food at your home for six months and when u hear of one death, stay at your home, until they all die and the virus is gone.

  17. Anthony Ismael
    August 9, 2014

    Great rhetoric from the Ministry of Health. If we can’t control and monitor termite infestation at the Marigot Hospital and bats flying rampant at the Portsmouth Fire Station, are we really prepared to deal with and confront an epidemiological outbreak such as Ebola? Our best bet is that we are spared from this dreaded disease. We are not prepared at all.

  18. August 9, 2014

    Especially taking into consideration the number of Nigerian students we have at All Saints University and Ross University. When they are on holiday breaks they go back to their homeland and visit their families, so what measures are being looked at or put in place to protect our people.

  19. Combos
    August 9, 2014

    i hope that this is not just another talk shop. they had years of planning for the black sigatoka and when it came they had no money or material set aside to deal with it. It distroyed all bananas on the island.

    Pen and paper and fancy talk cannot prevent, reduce risk or eradicate ebola. government stop being wicked and put money to the plan and prepare in advance for the eventual outbreak.

    Stop spending our money on crap and spend it on protecting the people.

    I am curious to know how much they spending on chikengunia why it rampant soo……. And if it was killing half the population dead

  20. diva
    August 9, 2014

    Well well if it hit Dominica ministers running first

  21. aa
    August 8, 2014

    Thank God we do not have an international airport. No direct flights so they have to stop somewhere else. This minimizes our chances of getting ebola on the island. Every disappointment is a blessing.

  22. Looking in
    August 8, 2014

    DNO, I see you have this posted after each article,,,is that correct?—Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

  23. ??????????????????
    August 8, 2014

    Do we have medical staffs who are brave enough to treat those with Ebola?
    JUST ASKING!

  24. The Facts
    August 8, 2014

    I just heard on the Toronto News that someone who arrived from Nigeria, with flu-like symptoms, checked himself into the Emergency Room at the Brampton (Ontario) Hospital. Many D/cans reside in Brampton.
    The name of the person was not provided, at least, not yet. I hope this is an isolated case and nothing more. Otherwise, this disease will spread like wildfire in Ontario and Canada for that matter. It is a grave concern and for those who traveled with this person and anyone who was affiliated with his travel at the airports.
    Therefore, the students or anyone who visited those areas with Ebola outbreak and travel to D/ca should be carefully examined prior to landing or taken into an area to be examined.

    • ANONY
      August 10, 2014

      We must realize that especially with this ebola threat when the developed countries lead then we can follow. What I really mean is that with regards to putting effective things in place I wonder if really the developed countries have found a solid solution for keeping people protected. Do they really and truly have some answer or the way to protect mankind? Can Dominica and the other Caribbean countries follow? Good though World Health Organization have declared this an international emergency for it is really an urgent cause for uniting the world.

      But still if a solution has been discovered, Dominica must do something quickly to protect its citizens, before it is too late. Something like 10 ebola cases here and one or none in America can occur. Dominica must quickly protect us or there will be no election! And let us also unite in DA on with this emergency. Encourage the government. DO NOT BE POLITICAL!

  25. shimen macadam
    August 8, 2014

    Tested I share your pains.. I would strongly advise students to stay away from the areas concerned . You going there is not making matters better.. think wisely please.. unit such time god will erase this deadly virus out ….

  26. shimen macadam
    August 8, 2014

    That makes sense east a …I believe that’s a very brilliant idea.. I’m in royal accordance with you

  27. Jail-corrupt-leaders
    August 8, 2014

    Preventive measures Everyman for himself ministers first at the airport :lol:

    • August 9, 2014

      lol hahahahahaha dwl :lol:

    • Anonymous
      August 9, 2014

      hahahahahahahaha
      still hahahahahha ing
      so true

  28. anonymous
    August 8, 2014

    This has been my concern from time. I think the school needs to be closed until the disease is under control because we cannot handle Ebola in Dominica. It will wipe us out

    • Anonymous
      August 9, 2014

      Ridiclous read up about the virus befire you panic , but I will say PMH does not have the facilities to deal with it so lets hope it does not arrive

    • HONESTY
      August 10, 2014

      People starting to talk rubbish and opening their mouth to stupid comments, have you read that the diseases started spreading in Nigeria due to a USA man who came into the country ya’all open ya mouth talking about Nigerian Students forgetting that the diseases was been spread by a US Man….Open your head and heart and think people…This is black people war waging, who knows which one they will send to the Caribbean, All u have to come off Facebook and too much SEWO and go to church and pray to God, comments and too much talk will not help us..Unity Black people!! We are being fought everyday from one war to another #eliminationOfBlackPeople #HistoryUnfolds http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2709180/Ebola-victim-sparked-fears-global-outbreak-American-Father-died-incurable-virus-Nigeria-taking-international-flight-going-visit-children-Minnesota.html

  29. B.E.B
    August 8, 2014

    I have not heard from any medical personnel how the ebola virus is being manifested, is it from another mosquito. Are there anything in place to monitor personnels who are coming from overseas who are being affected with the virus?

    • Anonymous
      August 8, 2014

      why dont u read the article? as u certainly have not done so..

    • budman
      August 9, 2014

      use google. it is your friend.

    • Anonymous
      August 9, 2014

      Spread from body fluids including sweat, saliva etc. not by mosquitos.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      August 9, 2014

      BEB, for someone like you who claim to be so smart, I am surprised that though the following is a matter of public information you are depending on a doctor to explain what is Ebola to you, one thing you need to remember you know, is that Dominica doctors do not read, thy do not contribute to medical journals, hence they lack information. So, how are they going to inform you when they do not know for themselves?

      The flowing might be of some assistance to you. If DNO post my first piece on the matter you will read where I said the only way Ebola can reach Dominica is if someone known as a carrier takes it there. Note the symptoms start in two (2) days, shortly after that, in most cases less than a week the person infected is dead.

      Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is the human disease caused by Ebola viruses.

      Symptoms start 2 days to 3 weeks after contracting the virus with a fever, throat and muscle pains, and headaches. There is then nausea, vomiting and diarrhea along with decreased functioning of the liver and kidneys. At this point some people begin to have problems with bleeding.
      The disease is first acquired by a population when a person comes into contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal such as a monkey or fruit bat. Fruit bats are believed to carry and spread the disease without being affected by it. Once infected the disease may be spread from one person to another. Men who survive may be able to transmit the disease sexually for nearly 2 months. To make the diagnosis, typically other diseases with similar symptoms such as malaria, cholera and other viral hemorrhagic fever are excluded. The blood may then be tested for either antibodies to the virus, the viral DNA, or the virus itself to confirm the diagnosis.

      Prevention involves decreasing the spread of the disease from infected monkeys and pigs to humans. This may be done by checking these animals for infection and killing and properly disposing of the bodies if the disease is discovered. Properly cooking meat and wearing protective clothing when handling meat may be helpful, as may wearing protective clothing and washing hands when around someone sick with the disease. Samples from people with the disease should be handled with an extra degree of caution.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  30. Teetee Weisel
    August 8, 2014

    You don’t need direct flights from countries with confirmed Ebola cases to be concerned. Someone carrying the Ebola virus could go from an Ebola-infected area, to a neutral country, stay for a few days, and THEN come to Dominica without saying anything about being in an infected area. The latter scenario is the most likely one to happen.

  31. WWJD
    August 8, 2014

    Our preventative measures need to be much much stiffer. To the Ministry of health officials and all others please please pray for guidance in dealing with this threat in order to be able to make the right decisions to safe guard our health.
    And we as individuals must now more than ever be cautious as to hand hygiene, garbage disposal, taking care of persons who are ill, be it at home or any where else ( this is spread by all body fluids).
    But most importantly we Need to start praying for our Nation, region and our world. We need to start giving our lives to Christ!!!
    take a look at this…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piZ1ankI26U

    • budman
      August 9, 2014

      you said our preventative measures need to be stiffer. how so? cos all you said after your topic sentence is prayer.

  32. Bushmaninda
    August 8, 2014

    Thanks I P, if it were not for your courageous, well founded, statement regarding Dominica’s response to the outbreak of Chickenguna, it is very unlikely that the government would have responded preemptively to the threat of Ebola.

  33. Fruit Bat
    August 8, 2014

    DNO your headline gave me a scare! At first glance I thought this thing was already here.

  34. judith
    August 8, 2014

    One can never be too cautious in light of the deadly nature of this disease. I am happy to see that the Ministry of Health has taken steps to sensitize and train medical staff to the symptons and care of this disease. I would further advise that a public campaign be undertaken to inform and educate the general public about Ebola to ensure that they become more aware and remain vigilant.

  35. more medical base
    August 8, 2014

    our Government cannot and will not do anything about any outbreak.we have seen their performance when there was other criss,do we have a medical facility at the airport or any where near the airport? the answer is NO. as we all know they closed the nearest hospital because people in that locality did not vote for labour.

  36. still waterz
    August 8, 2014

    i agree with u rasta …… intense screening for the nigerian students from the med schools…. as a matter of fact anyone coming from the infected area… better safe than sorry..

  37. August 8, 2014

    It is time that the Ministry of Health take measures which must include all stakeholders rather than do it all alone. It is true that we do not have direct flights from the countries where the Ebola is prevalent, we do receive mails from these countries where the disease is now raging? Why was the avenue for the receipt of mails not taken into consideration? It is a known fact that the disease can be spread if an infected person sneezes which can occur during the handling of mails and then transmitted through this medium.
    To the Ministry of Health, let us learn to take action in unison where all stakeholders are invited to participate in such meetings so that all avenues can be examined and the proper corrective measures can be put in place. After all Dominica is ours to protect.

  38. Voice of reason
    August 8, 2014

    You sound so illiterate right now whomever you are. You people are so quick to post negative comments. Why don’t the United States government, and other places which Dominicans travel to quarantine them for fear they may spread chikungunya it is also an infectious disease. Please broaden your mind, education is basic and think further than Dominica there is a big world out there.

  39. LJCDUFDSP
    August 8, 2014

    I commend the MOH for making preparations. I hope the leaders are open to contributions from all stakeholders including from health professionals whose heads they do not like. And to the public let us take heed. Viruses are tiny winy bugs which cause big suffering, big expense and in instances like ebola big death toll. Whether or not you believe the cause of ebola please take precautions.

  40. ASEF
    August 8, 2014

    Agreed with Rasta. Can health officials and government give the populace the assurance that preventive measures are being done that Ebola does not reach our shores. As we are all aware, Nigerian students at Ross and All Saints Universities have gone to visit families for the summer. They will be returning after their holidays. Screening process must be done at all ports. We are already under populated, so Dominica can’t lose its people. God Help us!

  41. Barbara Saunders
    August 8, 2014

    I agree!

    The fact that there is a 21 day incubation period makes it very dangerous because travellers returning from areas with the infection may not exhibit symptoms until after several days of entering Dominica, so anyone who has travelled to any infected areas should be checked on entry and monitored in-country until the 21 day period has passed.

    This would mean collaboration with Immigration at all ports of entry and other agencies to provide information on anyone arriving from any infected area whether directly or through Caribbean hubs. I just read of measures taken by Trinidad to deal with a Nigerian Doctor who had not even been to Africa for years, but I agree better safe than sorry.

  42. Ok
    August 8, 2014

    And the hospital closest to the airport in nonexistent … So what is being done to remedy this situation? ……and yes what is being done concerning the all saints Nigerian students who are set to begin school soon?

  43. Red
    August 8, 2014

    what about the African students? What is being done at our ports to screen them????? TIMMY you have to protect the Dominica Population.

  44. anonymous
    August 8, 2014

    @ rasta:
    Although it is human nature for a group of persons to feel slighted when such situations arise, let us hope that the fact that they are in the medical field will allow them to see the need for us as a country to safeguard our citizens. Let us also hope that the two medical schools will see it fit to put measures in place in order to mitigate the introduction and spread of this virus. I note that the authorities speak of ‘stakeholders’ in broad terms but in this case these two establishments in my view ought to be major players in the fight against possible introduction into the country.

  45. C'est sa meme
    August 8, 2014

    So the article says that they are “increasing medical staff at ports of entry.” We have NO medical staff at all at out ports of entry ! We need to be more proactive in the way we handle our biosecurity . We only react and for certain illnesses our reactions are too little, too late !

  46. Pedro
    August 8, 2014

    Correction: The number one killer of Dominicans are preventable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, followed by (whatever happens during hospital stay at PMH and then accidents (how many people could be saved by preventative devices like seat belts and helmets and better emergency management and care?)…not the deadly ebola! The government must not appropriately show its face when there is a public hoopla on an international stage, but do much more about education and detection and action for preventable circumstances. How many billboards do we see which are health related? How about health education in schools? how often does the government encourage routine medicals or healthy eating, exercise? These are all preventative related activities. Private doctors are having health pieces on this very DNO (thank you DNO!) but where is the ministry of health PR, that major preventative tool? Come better ministry of health. Do your real job of saving lives in a preventative way!

  47. Pedro
    August 8, 2014

    The number one killer of Dominicans are preventative diseases like heart disease, diabetes, followed by (whatever happens during hospital stay at PMH and then accidents (how many people could be saved by preventative devices like seat belts and helmets and better emergency management and care?)…not the deadly ebola! The government must not appropriately show its face when there is a public hoopla on an international stage, but do much more about education and detection and action for preventable circumstances. How many billboards do we see which are health related? How about health education in schools? how often does the government encourage routine medicals or healthy eating, exercise? These are all preventative related activities. Private doctors are having health pieces on this very DNO (thank you DNO!) but where is the ministry of health PR, that major preventative tool? Come better ministry of health. Do your real job of saving lives in a preventative way!

  48. Roots
    August 8, 2014

    This Ebola virus has some similar symptoms as chikungunya
    One might mistake the symptoms thinking they have something else wen its definitely ebola.
    We have to think of pregnant women,sick persons especially those with kidney n liver problems,our seneterians etc as it will kill dem even faster.
    I pray god looks over us as this virus has no cure and our health sector can’t handle this.

  49. We Are Wounded!!!!
    August 8, 2014

    Thanks to Dr. IP for airing his concerns about our Healthcare System …….MOH is starting to take outbreaks very seriously and he is willing to put effective things in place and work with the appropriate stakeholders to protect our citizens.

    Bless you my Brother!!!!!!

    • Anonymous
      August 9, 2014

      I would hazard a guess that the spirit of his “ancestors” would not be pleased if he discriminates against his brothers-of-common-ancestry!

  50. Anonymous
    August 8, 2014

    I agree something needs to be done.

  51. MAMIE
    August 8, 2014

    A good thing Dominica does have not have an international airport- may skerrit was right on this one .

  52. me
    August 8, 2014

    there are a lot of students going back and forth from afirac attending the all saints university how are we going to deal with that Dominica is very vulnerable right now,…. if the right step is not executed properly I’m afraid we are in a lot of trouble if we get just one case in Our Beloved Country…..

  53. August 8, 2014

    I am Appealing to Our Government Please Please Please Do something about the Nigerian All Saints Students Returning home from the Summer break. Nigeria has confirmed cases of the Ebola Virus. After 21 days Ebola symptoms are visible and thats when its too late. They may look healthy but please put steps in place. No discrimination but better you think so and our country safe, than we just play it kool and our whole country collapse.

    • eyes open wide
      August 8, 2014

      very true say

    • humble_me
      August 8, 2014

      Agree with you Rasta, as said no discrimination but for the safety of us all, remembering the elderly’s and baby’s.

    • derp
      August 8, 2014

      Totally agree with you

    • D/can abroad
      August 8, 2014

      Hope the government have that on their front burner

    • trolol
      August 8, 2014

      Rasta you hatin’ on de black man dem. You forget we all go through de same oppression? After all rasta I thought you of all would knoe better.

      • As if....
        August 9, 2014

        wat u talking about? no sense

    • Teetee Weisel
      August 8, 2014

      I totally agree. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, especially with such a deadly virus. I travel to Africa, although I have not been since 2007. If I were to travel to the region, I would voluntarily submit myself for testing and the requisite 21-day observation. I hope the Medical students returning from any affected area in West Africa, being future doctors and understanding the severity of the situation, would do the same. I just found out that Ebola is already in my village in Liberia. Heartbreaking!

      • imagine
        August 8, 2014

        are there many people from Liberia living in Dominica? Do you speak guys Kru or Merico languages?

    • me
      August 9, 2014

      Close the border for anybody who has been in Africa or infected areas… yes, those people will have to wait until this has passed. Better safe than sorry. If that illness comes here, we have all had it. The hospital is not built to be able to deal with that, it is barely crawling along already. The new hospital will be a building, but it won’t be any better with healthcare as the funds don’t seem to be there… Once they have contained it, then you can review the border policies.

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