In what appears to be a surprise to many in a time of post-Ebola pandemic, the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Samuel Sam-Sumana has voluntarily checked himself into quarantine following the death of his body guard from the menace. The office of the Vice President issued a communique that he will be checked into a quarantine facility for 21 days following the death of his body guard, John Komoro earlier this week from Ebola, as reported by Reuters.
“I have decided to be put under quarantine because I do not want to take chances and I want to lead by example. I am very well and showing no signs of illness,” the Vice President told Reuters.
It was known during the height of the Ebola outbreak that many victims took the path of public irresponsibility by hiding their illness while some infected people did not bother to report the case and quarantine themselves. This led to others being wittingly infected, hence giving the epidemic a vicious edge despite several public health messages and education advising against such acts.
Sierra Leone’s Vice President is the first known high official to be placed under quarantine since Ebola raised its ugly head last year.