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Ebola control strategies by Liberian company restricted disease transmission
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Various unique and robust Ebola control measures implemented by a Liberian rubber tree plantation restricted the spread of the disease within that community, according to a recent MMWR.
The success of this program may serve as a model for containing the disease in other areas of Liberia, CDC researchers wrote.
In the report, the CDC detailed the response efforts made at Firestone Liberia, a rubber tree plantation company affiliated with Bridgestone Americas.
After the report of the first diagnosed Ebola case at the plantation in March, the company implemented a management strategy using the company’s existing organizational structure. The response plan included case identification and management services, as well as reassimilation of recuperating patients into the community. This “survivor reintegration program” included community education about the survivor’s disease- and contagion-free status and also featured a ceremony attended by local officials, clergy and Firestone staff.
Ongoing community meetings and radio updates were used to provide important information about Ebola risks, prevention and social mobilization within the community.
Control efforts also included offering voluntary quarantine to high-risk, asymptomatic individuals who were in contact with Ebola patients for up to 21 days after exposure. Quarantine facilities offered education, personal protective equipment, sanitary supplies and meals. All patient contacts who developed Ebola were among the voluntary quarantines. In addition, personal protective and waste disposal equipment were given to family members of individuals with suspected Ebola infection.
Between August and Sept. 23, 71 Ebola cases were reported in 39 families within Firestone’s catchment area. Fifty-seven of these were confirmed cases. Fifty-three patients died, and 39 of these were confirmed cases (68% mortality rate among confirmed cases). There were 27 deaths in the Ebola treatment unit, six in the main hospital, and six in the community.
Since Firestone introduced its Ebola response program, 18 disease survivors have been discharged from the Ebola treatment unit and reintroduced into the community.
According to the CDC report, the success of Firestone’s response strategy hinged on community cooperation and the support of company leadership.
“An important result of Firestone’s response is the success with which community members identified suspected Ebola cases, agreed to voluntary quarantine in dedicated facilities, and minimized stigmatization of Ebola survivors,” the researchers wrote. “The education, social mobilization, and reintegration programs, as well as the visibility of supervisors and leaders in the community likely contributed to these successes.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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