No, they do work. They are also the vector by which HCWs are becoming infected.
We are planning to decon the body suits and gloves prior to removal. MSF does that, and they have the best safety record in Africa.
You know, the government guidance about the US vs. Africa in terms of precautions is still up this morning. Among other things, it says:
(Question) Why do responders in Africa wear so much personal protective equipment (that can include full body suits) for this Ebola outbreak when CDC says hospitals here could safely manage the care of an Ebola patient without a full body suit?
(Answer) There are important differences between providing care or performing public health tasks in Africa versus in a U.S. hospital. In field medical settings, additional PPE may be necessary to protect healthcare workers. In some places in Africa, workers may not have the ability to prepare for potential exposures. For example, in some places, care may be provided in clinics with limited resources (e.g., no running water, no climate control, no floors, inadequate medical supplies), and workers could be in those areas for several hours with a number of Ebola infected patients. Additionally, certain job responsibilities and tasks, such as attending to dead bodies, may also require different PPE than what is used when providing care for infected patients in a hospital."
The words in bold may go down in history as the worst situational assessment in history. And, even more delicious considering the source, it's almost - dare I say it - racist.
I refer you to my comment #162...
And if stopping flights to the USA from hot spots in Africa is racist, then so be it.....spreading diseases that lead to death around the world is irresponsible...period.