Roll of bio-hazard tape

Roll of bio-hazard tape, for use by laboratory workers in the 'diagnostic tent' at the Manteneh Ebola Treatment Centre during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, 2014-2015

Tape with a bio-hazard symbol is used across the world to indicate that there is a potential risk to human life and health. These can plant producs, animal products, sharp objects, clinical waste or infection causing bacteria and viruses. Areas can be quickly tapped off or samples and waste products labelled.

Set up by the International Medical Corps the clinic in Manteneh Ebola Treatment Centre, Makeni included frontline interactions with suspected or confirmed cases, the daily diagnostic procedures as samples were tested through to the administrative elements of certification and the role of health awareness materials.

The West African epidemic of Ebola that began in 2014 was the most widespread outbreak of the virus disease in history—causing major loss of life and disruption to society and the economy, mainly in the countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. It became international news and prompted an international medical response. In June 2016 when Guinea was the last country to be declared free of Ebola, there were more than 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths. Since 2021, a vaccine has been available to protect high-risk populations and frontline workers.