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Ebola deaths on rise in Sierra Leone

16 June 2014 20:40 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation confirmed Monday that they have so far recorded 19 deaths and 53 ebola infections, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

According to a press release, 138 cases of the ebola disease have so far been tested and community sensitization in the Kailahun district in the east and its environs including other areas in the west African state has been intensified.

The release made it clear that rumors about a confirmed case of Ebola patient at the main referral hospital in the capital Freetown, the Connaught hospital was not true.

The release states, "The Ministry of Health is not restricting the movement of people, but that the purpose of the screening at checkpoints or border crossing areas are to avert the risk of contracting the disease".

The press release also mentioned the strengthening surveillance at checkpoints within Kailahun where the disease first manifested itself and Kenema districts stressing the that the Ministry has reviewed traveller screening forms, provided protective equipment and other universal precautionary materials.

Meanwhile the ministry was happy to disclose that 4 people who were earlier tested positive have been proved to be negative and have been discharged.