Bulgaria's Chief Health Inspector: Ebola Threat Is Not Imminent

Photo: EPA/BGNES

The ebola threat, however real, is not imminent for Bulgaria, said the country's Chief Health Inspector Doctor Angel Kunchev for the BNT public broadcaster.

"So far we are somewhat protected thanks to the weak ties we have with the affected countries," he said. "At the same time the epidemic in Nigeria and Cameroun was put under control, which means that adequate measures are a good solution."

Kunchev added that the preparedness of the health authorities was key to the problem, but it was a function of the healthcare system in the country. "We know what the situation in Bulgaria is," he said. "The anti-ebola measures are effective if the system can detect the case early, isolate it and put under observation the people who were in contact with the patient. This is the key."

Meanwhile, Todor Kantardzhiev, director of Bulgaria's Centre For Infectious And Parasitic Diseases, told the Nova TV national channel that there is no cause for alarm.

"You can be infected with ebola if you have a wound and it comes into contact with blood or other body fluid of an infected with ebola person," he said. "Or if a person with ebola vomits on you. Or if you are in direct contact with someone who is infected or has died of ebola."

According to Kantardzhiev, the potential risk of infection was highest at large international airport, but there the control was very strict.

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