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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/11/ebola-discrimination-share-your-stories

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Version 1 Version 2
Have you been discriminated against because of Ebola? – share your stories Have you been discriminated against because of Ebola? – share your stories
(about 4 hours later)
Ebola is a frightening, dangerous disease. Three countries in west Africa – Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia – have borne the brunt of the latest outbreak with a combined death toll of nearly 5,000. All have declared an official “state of emergency” and their healthcare systems are struggling to cope.Ebola is a frightening, dangerous disease. Three countries in west Africa – Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia – have borne the brunt of the latest outbreak with a combined death toll of nearly 5,000. All have declared an official “state of emergency” and their healthcare systems are struggling to cope.
There has only been one reported death outside of west Africa, but infections among people who have returned home from the region have put the world on high alert.There has only been one reported death outside of west Africa, but infections among people who have returned home from the region have put the world on high alert.
Fear and misinformation have not been far behind, with many Africans feeling stigmatised – despite having never been anywhere near the region.Fear and misinformation have not been far behind, with many Africans feeling stigmatised – despite having never been anywhere near the region.
An article about a simple map of Africa showing where Ebola isn’t inspired one of our readers to share her experience: An article about a simple map of Africa showing where Ebola isn’t inspired one of our readers to share her experience of being told to stay away from work after a family holiday to a non-affected country.
I'm a UK born Ghanaian and I went on a family holiday at the end of September.Someone in my office (who clearly hadn't seen a map for some time) reported me to HR because they had concerns about me travelling to Africa. HR then requested me to work from home after my return until I could prove I didn't have Ebola.When I questioned HR about their decision, their response was (and I quote)."We know that there is no Ebola in Ghana, but you've still been to Africa so there is still a risk of you contracting the disease. We have a duty of care to protect our employees, so it's perfectly reasonable to ask for you to have a medical before you return to the office" This is not an isolated experience. A footballer was asked to stay away from training after travelling to a non-affected country to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. A nine-year-old school in America was told she must have the virus because she was Liberian. And even far from the epicentre, tourism is suffering across the continent as holidaymakers stay away citing Ebola fears.
I think the situation could have been managed better - perhaps by a little education.Such a shame.
After receiving an outpouring of support in the comment thread, missthing123 shared her thanks and said: “I hope that over time, the people involved will realise their stupidity and perhaps think first before they act in future … posting this thread has certainly helped, but I won’t forget the way I’ve been treated in a hurry.”
Her experience isn’t the first. A footballer was asked to stay away from training after travelling to a non-affected country to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. A nine-year-old school in America was told she must have the virus because she was Liberian. And even far from the epicentre, tourism is suffering across the continent as holidaymakers stay away citing Ebola fears.
If you or your family have experienced from any type of discrimination we’d like to hear from you. Was it at work or in a social situation? What were the reasons given? And how did it make you feel? If you live in an affected country we’d like to hear from you too.If you or your family have experienced from any type of discrimination we’d like to hear from you. Was it at work or in a social situation? What were the reasons given? And how did it make you feel? If you live in an affected country we’d like to hear from you too.
Share your experience using the Google form below. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic all of the information given will be treated confidentially.Share your experience using the Google form below. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic all of the information given will be treated confidentially.