Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Has Ebola spread to Saudi Arabia? Country's health ministry says it is testing samples from patient suspected of contracting virus after trip to Sierra Leone


Saudi Arabian health officials are testing a patient suspected of contracting the deadly Ebola virus as fears grow the disease is starting to spread beyond west Africa.
The Ebola epidemic has so far been contained to west African nations, where almost 900 people have died from more than 1600 confirmed cases.
But Saudi Arabia is now testing samples from a man who recently returned from a business trip to Sierra Leone for suspected Ebola infection, the Health Ministry said.
It said the man, a Saudi in his 40s, was at a hospital in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.
Officials wait to screen passengers who are entering Nigeria's Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Officials wait to screen passengers who are entering Nigeria's Murtala Muhammed International Airport

United Nations workers from the Philippines wash their hands to avoid contact with the virus in Liberia
United Nations workers from the Philippines wash their hands to avoid contact with the virus in Liberia

The ministry said it had taken precautionary measures, including isolating the patient at a specialist hospital and had sent blood samples to an international laboratory in coordination with the World Health Organisation for further checks.
The ministry also recently announced it will not issue visas for nationals from Ebola-struck countries for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in October.
The pilgrimage involves millions of Muslims making the journey to the holy cities of Medina and Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
However, officials will not be issuing Hajj visas to anyone from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia due to the Ebola outbreak and the potential for its spread during a festival in which millions travel together in close proximity.
The country is already battling an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which has infected hundreds in the past few months.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has pledged up to $200 million in emergency funding to help west Africa tackle the spread of Ebola, as hopes grow an experimental new 'miracle' cure can stem the death toll.
Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank, said the injection of funds would pay for urgently needed medical supplies, salaries for staff and other vital materials in the struggling health systems of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
High alert: A Nigerian health official uses a thermometer at Murtala Muhammed Airport to screen for Ebola
High alert: A Nigerian health official uses a thermometer at Murtala Muhammed Airport to screen for Ebola
However, the emergence of an experimental new drug given to the two U.S. Ebola patients has raised the possibility a medical breakthrough has been made for a disease which has no previously known cure or vaccine.
News of the treatment - which has never before been used on humans - comes as the death toll reaches 887, with more than 1600 confirmed cases in what is the worst outbreak in the four decade history of Ebola.
The treatment, called ZMapp, is made by Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc. of San Diego.
The serum is created by infecting an animal with the disease then harvesting the antibodies the animals' bodies create to fight it off.
It was reported the two U.S. aid workers, Nancy Writebol, 59, and Dr Kent Brantly, 33, used serum taken from infected mice.
A source told CNN Dr Brantly's condition took a serious turn for the worse and he was quickly issued with a dose of the medication.
He made a 'miraculous' improvement within the space of an hour and was able to board his plane to the U.S. the next morning.
Liberians praying for the eradication of Ebola at a church in Monrovia where the virus has killed hundreds
Liberians praying for the eradication of Ebola at a church in Monrovia where the virus has killed hundreds

ZMAPP: THE 'MIRACLE' DRUG PRODUCED IN TOBACCO PLANTS

ZMapp is the experimental new drug which was administered to the two U.S. citizens who contracted Ebola.
Produced by Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc. of San Diego, the serum is created by infecting an animal with the disease then harvesting the animal's immune system antibodies which its body creates to fight it.
It is a type of drug known as a 'monoclonal antibody', and before this use, it had only been tested on monkeys.
Unfortunately, there is very little of the radical new drug available and it has not yet undergone the usual safety tests of other drugs.
Times of San Diego reported a company spokesperson as saying: 'ZMapp was first identified as a drug candidate in January 2014 and has not yet been evaluated for safety in humans. As such, very little of the drug is currently available.
'Mapp and its partners are co-operating with appropriate government agencies to increase production as quickly as possible.'
Remarkably, ZMapp is grown in specially modified leaves of tobacco. Mapp Biopharmaceutical has contracted a Kentucky tobacco plant to help produce the serum.
The plants must be 'infected' with a type of protein, which over time, the plant goes on to reproduce itself. After a week or so, it has made enough of the protein to turn into a useable drug which can be extracted.
Mrs Writebol was also given the treatment, but required a second dose before she showed signs of improvement.
The $200m in World Bank funding has been earmarked to help contain Ebola and prevent the spreading to neighbouring countries. However, there are fears it is already too late.
A doctor has now become the second confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria after helping to treat a U.S. businessman who died from the disease.
Back to the States: Ebola patient Nancy Writebol, a missionary from North Carolina, has left Liberia on a plane bound for Atlanta, Georgia
Back to the States: Ebola patient Nancy Writebol, a missionary from North Carolina, has left Liberia on a plane bound for Atlanta, Georgia

Recovering: Dr Brantly, seen here with his wife Amber, is improving at Emory University Hospital, after receiving a dose of an experimental serum
Recovering: Dr Brantly, seen here with his wife Amber, is improving at Emory University Hospital, after receiving a dose of an experimental serum

Nigerian authorities said tests were also being carried out on three other people who treated Patrick Sawyer after they reported similar symptoms.
The second case of Ebola in Africa's most populous country is an alarming setback as officials across the region battle to stop the spread of the disease.
The emergence of a second case also raises serious concerns about the infection control practices in Nigeria, and also raise the spectre that more cases could emerge.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure to the virus for symptoms to appear. They include fever, sore throat, muscle pains and headaches.
Often nausea, vomiting and diarrhea follow, along with severe internal and external bleeding in advanced stages of the disease.
On the front line: Medics wait to screen passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos
On the front line: Medics wait to screen passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos


Doctors and other health workers on the front lines of the Ebola crisis have been among the most vulnerable to infection as they are in direct physical contact with patients.
Ms Writebol, who was volunteering as a hygenist in Ebola decontamination units, is expected to land in Atlanta this morning, where she will be treated at the quarantine wing at Emory University Hospital where Dr Brantly has already been taken.
The two both contracted Ebola after working on the same medical mission team treating victims of the virus around Monrovia, Liberia.
Meanwhile, a third American has been taken into isolation at New York City's Mount Sinai hospital showing symptoms of Ebola.
The patient arrived at the hospital’s emergency room early on Monday morning with ‘a high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms,’ according to a statement.
However the Department of Health has since released a statement stating that the patient is unlikely to have the deadly disease.
A leading British scientist has also claimed we may have seen the peak of the epidemic.
Chris Whitty, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said Guinea had already seen the worst of the outbreak, according to The Telegraph.
'This is the largest outbreak of Ebola that so far has been recorded. The numbers are increasing in Sierra Leone but they appear to have peaked in Guinea where the epidemic first started,' he said.

Michael Jackson's final residence complete with 'medieval chapel' selling for $19.5m


His iconic Neverland Ranch was put on the market last week.
Now, another one of Michael Jackson's former abodes will be sold.
The late singer's Las Vegas house - where he lived from 2006 to 2008 - has been listed for $19.5 million, according to Trulia.
Legacy: Michael Jackson's final residence in Las Vegas has been put on the market for $19.5 million, Jackson pictured in LA in 2008, on year before he passed away
Legacy: Michael Jackson's final residence in Las Vegas has been put on the market for $19.5 million, Jackson pictured in LA in 2008, on year before he passed away

Opulent: The Spanish Mediterranean-style estate features seven bedrooms and 12 baths
Opulent: The Spanish Mediterranean-style estate features seven bedrooms and 12 baths

The seven bedroom, 12 bath home features an 'underground art gallery' and a 7,394-square-foot 'Medieval Chapel' that seats 74 guests.
The Spanish Mediterranean-style estate, which was built in 1952, sits on 1.7 acres of ground but does not include a swimming pool.
The house is where the King Of Pop lived after he returned to the United States from Bahrain, where he sought refuge after he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005.
Michael Jackson made $700m since his death five years ago
Plenty of space: The home, which was built in 1952, sits on 1.7 acres
Plenty of space: The home, which was built in 1952, sits on 1.7 acres

Sanctuary: The house is where the King Of Pop lived after he returned to the United States from Bahrain, where he sought refuge after he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005
Sanctuary: The house is where the King Of Pop lived after he returned to the United States from Bahrain, where he sought refuge after he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005

Social: A spacious bar area is an ideal spot for entertaining guests
Social: A spacious bar area is an ideal spot for entertaining guests

Warm and welcoming: One sitting room sports wooden floors and walls and comfortable leather seats
Warm and welcoming: One sitting room sports wooden floors and walls and comfortable leather seats

Jackson leased the property from the Honorary Consul - a group of foreign diplomats - who still owns it. 
Jackson allegedly was the last resident of the property, which was left vacant until 2011 when the owners carried out extensive renovations.
The home was previously listed for $4.8 million in 2011.
Daily prayers: The estate even has its own Medieval Chapel that seats 74 guests
Daily prayers: The estate even has its own Medieval Chapel that seats 74 guests

Holy place: The so-called 'Neverland Chapel' sports two-stories and a giant chandelier in the center
Holy place: The so-called 'Neverland Chapel' sports two-stories and a giant chandelier in the center

Plenty of seating: The chapel includes galleries where worshippers can sit and take in the service
Plenty of seating: The chapel includes galleries where worshippers can sit and take in the service


Meanwhile, the star's famous Neverland Ranch also is to be sold.
The Santa Ynez  property will reportedly be put on the market by Colony Capital - who own a primary stake in the estate - after buying out the late singer's $23 million mortgage to save it from foreclosure in 2008 - in order to recoup the debt they are owed on the house.
It comes after the singer's children were involved in a restoration project last year to restore the estate to its former glory after it fell into disrepair.
Something for everyone: The house also features an underground art gallery
Something for everyone: The house also features an underground art gallery

European flair: The lush grounds sport fountains and plenty of outdoor seating space
European flair: The lush grounds sport fountains and plenty of outdoor seating space
Picturesque: A cobbled driveway leads you to the main house
Picturesque: A cobbled driveway leads you to the main house
Elegant: Archways, terracotta tiles and wooden beams all lend the property a Spanish Hacienda feel
Elegant: Archways, terracotta tiles and wooden beams all lend the property a Spanish Hacienda feel



A source told RadarOnline.com: 'Colony Capital has the legal right to sell the property to pay down the debt they are owed from the loan, interest, management fee and maintenance costs.'
The property is worth around $27 million, but insiders believe it could fetch as much as $60 million because of its famous former owner.
Officials from Michael's estate said they are 'saddened' by the news of the sale but insist they plan to keep the legacy of the Thriller hitmaker - who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 - going strong at his other former home.
They said in a statement: 'We are saddened at the prospect of the sale of Neverland which, under the agreement negotiated during Michael's lifetime, Colony has the right to sell.
Iconic property: Meanwhile, the star's famous Neverland Ranch also is to be sold
Iconic property: Meanwhile, the star's famous Neverland Ranch also is to be sold

Victoria Beckham: 'It really was a life-changing experience, I wanted to do all I could:' Designer so moved by trip to South Africa to meet women with HIV she'll sell 600 items from her wardrobe for charity


Victoria Beckham is touted as one of the world's most stylish women with a wardrobe full to the brim of designer garments, including each and every one of her own highly sought-after designs.
And now, the fashion designer is giving fans the chance to snap up a piece of her wardrobe - quite literally - as she is set to sell more than 600 items for charity.
Victoria has partnered with theoutnet.com to sell hundreds of her items of her clothing in aid of the charity, mothers2mothers.
Charity chic: Victoria Beckham will sell 600 items of her wardrobe on The Outnet to raise vital funds for mothers2mothers, a charity that educates on how to prevent the transmission of HIV from mothers to babies
Charity chic: Victoria Beckham will sell 600 items of her wardrobe on The Outnet to raise vital funds for mothers2mothers, a charity that educates on how to prevent the transmission of HIV from mothers to babies
In February this year, following an invitation from Vogue editor Anna Wintour and American Vogue to visit South Africa, Victoria met with mothers2mothers (m2m) founder Dr. Mitch Besser.
The charity trains, employs and empowers Mentor Mothers, who are mothers living with HIV, in order to educate them on how to prevent the transmission of HIV from mothers to babies and improve the health of women and their families.
Victoria was so moved by the experience that she wanted to do all she could to raise money and awareness.
Speaking about the cause, she said: ‘After spending just a few days with these remarkable women and learning more about the charity from Mitch, and his lovely wife Annie Lennox, I wanted to do as much as I could. It really was a life-changing experience; I’ve never experienced anything like it.’
Victoria felt that a sale of items from her wardrobe could be an incredibly powerful way to raise both money and awareness.
She told Grazia magazine: 'I have never met such strong women in my entire life. The work they are doing is nothing short of absolutely remarkable.'
 
Moved: Victoria said that after spending just a few days with these 'remarkable' women in South Africa and learning more about the charity, she wanted to do as much as she could  Victoria said that after spending just a few days with these 'remarkable' women in South Africa and learning more about the charity, she wanted to do as much as she could
With help from her mother and sister, Victoria carefully selected iconic pieces from her wardrobe - pieces from her early days with the Spice Girls, that she wore out with David Beckham, and from catwalk appearances, parties, awards shows and other events that have been heavily documented and photographed by the world’s press.
‘I laughed a lot when we were going through my wardrobe as the pieces hold so many happy memories for me, David and the children. A lot of the clothes have been specially designed for me by the most talented designers and I’ve loved wearing them, however I now feel it’s someone else’s turn to enjoy them,' she said.
'We approached The Outnet, part of The Net-a-Porter Group, as they have an incredible global reputation and are the perfect partner for us to build awareness and raise as much money as possible for mothers2mothers.'