Ebola "very unlikely" to affect Belarus

Ebola virus is very unlikely to affect Belarus, BelTA quotes head of the WHO Country Office in Belarus Egor Zaitsev. 

“The situation in the national healthcare system makes us believe that Belarus is prepared to protect its residents from the Ebola epidemic. At present the World Health Organization is sending questionnaires to the countries of the region asking them to evaluate their readiness to confront the Ebola virus disease. Belarus will receive this questionnaire soon. This will provide the comprehensive picture of the situation,” Egor Zaitsev said. 

The head of the WHO Country Office added that a possibility of importing the virus to Belarus still exists. “Theoretically, in this situation the virus can be passed from an infected person to a medical professional or those who take care of the patient,” Egor Zaitsev said. He underlined that the Ebola outbreak in Belarus to the Western African scenario is very unlikely. 

Egor Zaitsev praised Belarus’ efforts to get ready to fight the disease. Belarus is taking measures to prevent the penetration of the Ebola virus to its territory. Healthcare organizations, customs services and border agencies are well prepared to combat the disease. They are provided with the necessary equipment and protection means.