The Ebola Front Line with Marcus DiPaola
Marcus DiPaola is a reporter and photojournalist whose work has been featured in NBC News, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe and many more. He’s just back from Liberia and was kind enough to share some of his work with us.
Getting there and back safely is not an easy or cheap trip, so we ask you to support his kickstarter. He’s looking to go back as soon as he can.
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The day starts at the old Liberian Ministry of Health, and immediately moves to the streets. Team members have to suit up to protect themselves before going in to pick up the deceased.
Teammates check each others’ hazmat suits to make sure not a single square inch of skin is uncovered.
Team members check the door of the house of a deceased Ebola victim before entering.
The team goes in and pulls the deceased out as Garmai Sumo, who is responsible for disinfecting the team, watches carefully.
Princess Manjoe, 13, reacts.
Garmai Sumo mixes chlorine with water so she can disinfect them team as they remove their hazmat suits. Removing a suit is the most dangerous part of the team’s day.
Garmai puts the liquid solution into a disinfecting sprayer, so she can disinfect the team without touching them.
Garmai Sumo motions for someone to help with the disinfecting process.
A member of the team checks to make sure nothing is left behind.
Garmai disinfects the gloves of the First Man. The First Man is the first person into the building, he receives the most exposure and is responsible for spraying so that other team members can follow safely.
Garmai stops for a portrait, but quickly runs off, “I’m too hot!” she said.
The family is watching, but the team must move on to the next call.
At the next call, a Muslim community initially refuses to let the team collect the body: team members say it conflicts with their beliefs. But after a brief discussion, the husband of the deceased gives consent.
The team suits up again, and prepares to go in.
The body is quickly pulled out.
… and placed on the truck.
Team members again carefully decontaminate themselves.
But even though the burial team is safe… that doesn’t mean everyone is.
The strength of..a single person.wlling to bring to those of us..with no way, no ability..to go see, to help..’on the ground’..is a priceless gift to everyone. Thank you.
What a frightening disease and what courage they medical and other workers have dealing with it. Thanks for the documenting photos.