Chinese scientists develop biohazard suit that protects against Ebola
PLA researchers have created an outfit that can protect the wearer almost all of the time
Military scientists have developed a comfortable biohazard suit that its creators say can keep out the Ebola virus 99.99 per cent of the time.
Xinhua reported yesterday that the suit was the best protective equipment of its kind developed by China and was being worn by Chinese medical support teams in epidemic zones in Sierra Leone and Mali in West Africa.
Air pressure inside the suit is maintained at a higher level than the atmosphere outside, keeping disease constantly at bay.
Medical personnel could also move about in the gear freely due to more flexible joint designs and the use of new elastic material to improve fit.
Other equipment, such as an airtight tent for temporary quarantine of suspected cases and portable chambers to relocate those infected with the virus, have also been developed by the scientists at the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Medical Sciences.
As demand grows for products to guard against infection with Ebola disease - the incurable haemorrhagic fever triggered by the virus, which is transmitted via contact with bodily fluids - more countries are sourcing them from Chinese suppliers. The most sought-after items were coveralls, gloves and goggles, Xinhua reported.