Ebola virus, Pregliasco: Italia at risk of contagion
For the virologist, 'the World Health Organisation's raising of the national risk level for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus is an important signal, especially in a context of political instability, violence, health difficulties and population movements'
"The epidemiological situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo deserves the utmost attention from the international community. The World Health Organisation's raising of the national risk level for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus is an important signal, especially in a context characterised by political instability, violence, health difficulties and population movements'. So says the virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, director of the school of specialisation in hygiene and preventive medicine at Milan's La Statale University, past president of ANPAS and vice president of Samaritan International, commenting on the World Health Organisation's announcement that it has raised the epidemic risk level in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus to the maximum.
Zero risk does not exist
'It is right to be clear with citizens: in a globalised world there is no such thing as zero risk. The possibility of imported cases also in Europe cannot be completely excluded. However, it is equally important to reiterate that there is no evidence today to suggest an uncontrolled epidemic spread in our country or in Europe. Ebola is not an airborne virus like influenza or Covid-19. Transmission occurs through close contact with infected biological fluids. This allows, in advanced healthcare systems, much more effective control through isolation, protective devices, tracking and established infectious protocols'.
Global Solidarity and Prevention
'Italia has scientific expertise, surveillance networks and specialised structures capable of dealing with any suspected cases. We must therefore maintain a high level of health vigilance without fuelling unjustified fears. The real challenge today is to concretely support the Congo and the affected areas, strengthening international cooperation, the health response on the ground, and the protection of the most fragile populations. Epidemics are fought first of all in the territories where they originate, with global solidarity, prevention and investment in public health,' Pregliasco concludes.
