16 Oct 2014

Fighting Ebola: responses from across the world

Reaction to the Ebola outbreak has varied from country to country. Here are five of the more controversial and unusual responses.

1. The pub that banned people from Africa

A sign informing Africans not to enter a pub in South Korea was shared on Facebook.

Pub in South Korea

2. The airline passenger with a homemade hazmat suit

One passenger at Dulles International Airport was apparently spotted wearing a homemade hazmat suit. On Wednesday, it emerged that a health worker from the Texas hospital where Thomas Duncan died from Ebola was allowed to board a flight from Cleveland to Dallas, despite complaining about a mild fever.

3. The radio stations playing Ebola advice songs

West African radio stations are playing songs to try and educate people about how to stop catching the virus. One track, by Liberia-based Shadow and Kuzzy of 2 Kings, carries the lyrics: “Ebola is wicked, it can kill you quick quick / Be careful how you shaking hands / Be careful who you touch.”

4. The Nigerian healer who sent holy water

TB Joshua, a Nigerian faith healer, reportedly sent 4,000 bottles of “Anointing Water” to Sierra Leone as part of an aid package. The bottles were reportedly sent along with a cash donation of $50,000.

5. The online shop selling Ebola toys

Ebola toy

Photo: giantmicrobes.com

Online education store Giant Microbes sells an Ebola microbe toy. The website describes the toy as a “uniquely contagious gag gift”.

“Since its discovery in 1976, Ebola has become the T Rex of microbes,. Share the love!” the website says.

Topics

,