Families get advice on Ebola

The Sierra Leone Support Association is holding a meeting in the city centre tonight for families who are worried about the deadly ­virus and what is happening to their loved ones who still live there.

More than 1000 people have died so far from the ­outbreak in West Africa, ­according to the World Health Organisation.

In Glasgow, there is ­estimated to be 50 to 60 families or individuals who are from Sierra Leone.

Unisa Conteh, secretary of the association, will speak at the meeting at the African and Caribbean Centre in ­Osborne Street.

He said: "It is very difficult for people because they are very fearful. Some people are worried about their friends and family. People want to know how they can help.

"People in Glasgow want to know what is going on in their country."

Sierra Leone-born Unisa lives in the west of Glasgow and has been in Scotland for six years.

He said the association hoped to raise awareness of Ebola in Scotland and in West Africa because there is a "lack of education".

He said: "We are working with voluntary organisations in Sierra Leone so we can help provide any relief.

"We are trying to bring awareness to them and to educate people about Ebola and what is going on.

"There are certain things that people don't know and they are unsure of how to handle the situation.

"Some villages don't know about putting chlorine into water for washing hands or other measures.

"It is an international ­issue and we want to do whatever we can to help to stop it spreading and to give advice and support."

It came after around 30 Commonwealth Games athletes from Sierra Leone asked to extend their stay in Glasgow after a State of Emergency was declared in their country.

The team was at the centre of an Ebola scare during the Games after two athletes were tested and cleared of the virus.

Health Minister Michael Matheson said the risk of Ebola coming to Scotland ­remained "very low".

rachel.loxton@eveningitmes.co.uk