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Ebola Virus- An ultra-secure and unique Container in France against Epidemic Risks

Angers University Hospital has a “high isolation unit” intended for patients with symptoms viral hemorrhagic fever, like Ebola. A first, which shows the “leap” made since Covid

Overboots, a waterproof hooded suit, two pairs of gloves… Just by looking at the multiple protective
equipment worn by the healthcare staff, we understand that it is serious. For a few weeks, a “very innovative” device has been the pride of the Angers University Hospital. The healthcare establishment,
regional referent for “epidemic and biological risk”, is in fact the only one in France to have an Elytron. This is the name given to this “high isolation unit” intended to receive patients with symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever (muscle pain, temperature, blood loss, etc.), such as the dreaded Ebola or Marburg viruses. In this container of approximately 40 m2, transportable and deployable in a few hours, the objective is to avoid
any contamination. The patient, who arrives on a stretcher bubble that covers him, is placed in a “room”
at negative pressure, where the air is filtered extremely finely.
This is where he will remain for 72 hours, the time for blood samples, in particular, to be taken in complete
safety and for a diagnosis to be clearly established. On the other side of a treated tarpaulin, all the care
equipment is already there, numbered, ready to use. In another space, close to the exit, the meticulous protocol for undressing caregivers is displayed.

A “leap” since Covid “When you catch a highly pathogenic infectious agent of group 4, such as Ebola, the lethality varies between 30 and 80%,” explains Dr. Yves-Marie Vandamme, infectious disease specialist and epidemic and biological risk referent at the Angers University Hospital. We must be able to take care of
these patients, while continuing to treat the others. But above all, protect the caregivers who will be the first to be infected. This is what happened during the major Ebola epidemic in 2013-2014…”
And which seems to be repeating itself with that of the Marburg virus, which has been raging in Rwanda in recent days, causing 12 deaths since the end of September.

For the moment, fortunately, no imported cases have been received in Angers. “A paradox to rejoice in equipment that we would never wish to use,” observes Karen Burban-Evain, director of public and environmental health at ARS Pays-de-la-Loire, which is funding the system to the tune of 600,000 euros. In the absence of patients, training sessions have been organized in recent days, “a chance to be able to prepare well” and the tool would be of interest well beyond the department. “This is the essence of crisis management, and a sign that a leap has been made since Covid,” believes Karen Burban-Evain. “Particularly in preparing to deal with emerging pathologies that are accelerating with human movement. »
Climate change, source of new diseases.
For Yves-Marie Vandamme, France could indeed face new diseases, with “infectious agents that we already know, such as Mpox, which is increasingly adapting”. But climate change should also give rise to exceptional health situations. “We did not see indigenous cases of dengue or chikungunya before 2010 and now, there are, notes the doctor.
This is because transmission vectors, such as mosquitoes or ticks, are adapting better and better.” In the meantime, the CHU indicates that the modular unit could also be used as a treatment center in the
event of a massive influx of injured people, with enough space to install eight stretchers.

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