Sierra Leone Cancels Public Christmas Celebrations Amid Ebola Scare

Amid attempts to contain the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, public Christmas festivities were canceled in Sierra Leone this past week.

Sierra Leone's government officials reportedly banned public holiday festivities in an attempt to control the spreading virus that has already claimed 7,600 lives worldwide. CBS News reports that the government went so far as to replace Christmas music on the radio with public health announcements in Sierra Leone.

Some experts in the medical community have spoken out in support of the Christmas ban. Dan Kelly, an American aid worker who recently returned from West Africa after treating Ebola patients, told CBS News that he felt the Christmas ban was necessary.

"I can only imagine how that would impact a country of people who are used to going home to their villages and their families," Kelly said. "I really hope that this is the last Christmas in Sierra Leone that we see the need for a ban."

Freetown resident Kadija Kargdo added to Reuters that although the Christmas ban is disappointing, he finds in necessary in halting the further spread of the disease.

"We want to avoid contact because of this deadly disease. It's necessary but I am not really happy. Normally we have a lot of fun with family and friends, but we just have to stay home," Kargbo told Reuters.

Despite the ban on public Christmas events, residents of Sierra Leone were still able to celebrate the holiday privately in their own homes, and some hospitals reported playing Christmas carols in an effort to heighten spirits.