Peking University, Sept. 5, 2014: With nations in West Africa facing the biggest and most complex outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in history, international response is stepping up to combat the disease. Peking University People’s Hospital has summoned a medical team to set out for Guinea, the nation at the center of the epidemic, to provide medical assistance.
The team is comprised of five experienced doctors and nurses. Associate Chief Physician Mu Xinlin specializes in respiration and critical care medicine. He said he was honored to be trusted by the hospital but he felt heavy responsibility at the same time. “My daughter is preparing for the high school entrance exam. I couldn’t tell her the truth at the beginning. The minute I told her that I would go to Africa for training for a couple of months, she knew what was going on.” When it comes to Ebola, he pointed out that personal hygiene and protection is the key, as the virus spreads through blood, saliva, sweat and other secretions of the infected people.
Cao Baoping, Associate Chief Physician of Emergency Department, volunteered to join the medical team. He said that the whole department is his staunch support. A colleague asked him, half-joking, “How do you tell your family? Do you have the final say in your home?” He responded, “Only in this matter.”
Other three members are nurses from Intensive Care Unit. Head Nurse Yang Chongke has been engaged in nursing service for 24 years. “We are not familiar with Ebola but we have received professional training and undergone the SARS in 2003. I hope my years of experience will come in handy.” Both Wang Ting and Li Lu have more than 10 years’ working experience at the hospital and they were recommended for the mission by the Unit. They both accepted without hesitation. They have received support and understanding from their families and friends, who they know are worried about them. They promise to take good care of themselves and return safe and sound upon completing the mission.
Peking University People’s Hospital has fully prepared the medical team for the Ebola disease. The team is provided with a detailed, comprehensive list of medical equipment and daily supplies. The hospital has also conducted emergency exercises and training sessions for all its staff.
No heroic rhetoric but loving hearts that transcend national boundaries. They are just normal people, but they are always ready to be on the frontier where they are needed in times of adversary. For the time being they are still working as hard as they always are on their positions, yet they are ready to go any minute.
Extended Reading
EVD is a severe illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, and tissues of infected animals or people. There is currently no cure or preventive vaccine.
Symptoms include high fever, bleeding and central nervous system damage.
Fatality rate can reach 90%-but current outbreak has mortality rate of about 55%.
Incubation period is 2 to 21 days.
Supportive care such as rehydrating patients who have diarrhea and vomiting can help recovery.
Fruit bats, a delicacy for some West Africans, are considered to be virus’s natural host.
Written by: Li Ruiqi
Edited by: Chen Long
Source: PKU Health Science Center
