Tests to determine if Ebola killed Concern employee

Tests are to be carried out on the body of a Liberian employee of the aid agency Concern who has died in West Africa.

The man was being treated for typhoid, the symptoms of which are similar to Ebola. Concern said he attended an Ebola emergency treatment centre in Liberia on Friday asking to be tested for the virus, but has since died. A cause of death is expected to be established in coming days.

The current Ebola epidemic has killed killed almost 3,000 people in West Africa, the World Health Organisation said earlier this week. Almost 6,000 people have been infected by the virus in five West African countries.

Irish aid agency Goal has called for more medical staff to be made available to combat the Ebola outbreak in west Africa. It said it was is launching an emergency recruitment drive for 60 medical staff to help stop the spread of the virus.

The aid agency is calling on doctors and nurses to staff Ebola treatment units in Liberia, where the US government is to build healthcare facilities and train medical staff in a major step-up in their efforts to contain the virus.

Goal chief executive Barry Andrews said Ireland must consider developing a national response plan for the crisis that incorporates civil society groups, experienced health professionals, and experts from the military.

“While funding is a major issue, deploying skilled health and logistics staff from our own health and military system is one way for Ireland to assist in the fight against Ebola and support these governments and communities to avoid the utter devastation predicted in the months to come,” said Mr Andrews.