3 Jun 2014

Ebola outbreak: UK mine workers leave Sierra Leone

British firm London Mining evacuates a number of “non-essential” workers from Sierra Leone following an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.

A suspected Ebola outbreak earlier this year killed at least 78 people in Guinea (Getty)

Above: a suspected Ebola outbreak earlier this year killed at least 78 people in Guinea

The mining company said it had imposed travel restrictions in the region around its Marampa mine and was closely monitoring the situation with health chiefs and international agencies.

The iron ore mining company said production at its mine was not affected.

Officials in the country say there have been two deaths from Ebola and a dozen other cases of the deadly and highly contagious disease, following an outbreak in neighbouring Guinea that also led to cases in Liberia earlier this year.

London Mining said in a statement: “London Mining notes recent reports from Sierra Leone suggesting that an increased number of incidents of Ebola Fever have been found in the country.

“The company is not aware of any incidences of the disease among its workforce or in the communities surrounding the Marampa mine.”

Travel restrictions

The statement continued: “However London Mining is regularly monitoring the situation with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the World Health Organisation and other international agencies.

“Following consultation with the relevant authorities, the company has imposed restrictions on travel in the region and continues to work with employees to promote awareness of the disease, including the provision of information on how it is transmitted and the signs and symptoms.

“A number of non-essential personnel have left the country due to voluntary restrictions on non-essential travel.

Ebola causes a high fever and severe bleeding. The mortality rate has been close to 70 per cent, according to the World Health Organisation.