AMA URGES CALM AS AUSTRALIAN NURSE TESTED FOR EBOLA
AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, today urged people to be calm as an Australian Red Cross nurse in Cairns is tested for the Ebola virus, having recently returned from working with Ebola patients in West Africa.
A/Prof Owler said that Australia has one of the safest and most professional public health systems in the world, and that every possible precaution has been observed since the nurse’s return from Sierra Leone.
“It is reported that the nurse remained in isolation at her home according to health guidelines, and regularly checked her temperature,” a/Prof Owler said.
“She was taken to Cairns Hospital for observation when her temperature rose. She is now undergoing a blood test, and the results should be known later tonight or in the morning.
“Both the Australian Chief Medical Officer and the Queensland Chief Health Officer have given assurances that all the correct procedures have been undertaken to contain any infection or contamination, if indeed it is Ebola.”
A/Prof Owler said it is not a time for panic or over-reaction.
“The comments this evening from the Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, that the nurse should be quarantined for three weeks are totally irresponsible and unwarranted.
“This nurse and other aid workers should be praised for their humanity, bravery, and compassion.
“They have selflessly gone to West Africa to help thousands of poor suffering people who are trapped in one of the greatest humanitarian crises facing the world in recent times.
“Mr Katter should cease spreading fear and panic, and leave the commentary to the health experts who have control of the situation,” A/Prof Owler.
A/Prof Owler today had meetings with representatives of the Australian Red Cross and the Sierra Leone Ebola Action Group to discuss the Ebola outbreak situation and the international response.
9 October 2014
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