Prevention is better than cure

The Ebola virus is spreading like wildfire in West Africa and is now considered out of control, according to the World Health Organisation, which plans to launch a $100 million response plan and is holding urgent talks with donors and agencies to increase resources to the region. 

The outbreak started in Guinea in February and has since spread to neighbouring West African countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone, killing over 880 people. 

While it is too premature to sound the alarm about this epidemic reaching the Middle East, it is never too early to start taking preventive measures against the deadly virus. 

Traffic out of West Africa to the Middle East needs to be closely monitored by all countries in the region, Jordan included. 

What makes this new threat to health and life so alarming is the fact there is still no known cure for Ebola. 

It could take pharmaceutical companies many months if not years to come up with effective medication to treat the disease, which belongs to a family of viruses that can cause serious haemorrhagic fevers. 

The virus, one of the world’s most virulent diseases, is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people, according to WHO. 

Those at higher risk of contracting Ebola are health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients. 

Our Ministry of Health should be prepared for this new threat and begin educating the public about how to combat the virus just in case it reaches the shores of our region. 

Disease prevention is much better than treating it. 

Jordan and neighbouring countries must not be caught off guard and a regional plan of action against Ebola needs to be adopted as early as possible.