BASIC
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EBOLA VIRUS
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a. What is
Ebola hemorrhagic fever?
Ebola
Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola HF) is a deadly virus in humans and nonhuman primates
(monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees) that has appeared sporadically since its
initial recognition in 1976. Approximately 1850 cases are known since then. The
mortality rate is estimated at 90% of infected persons. The virus has no
vaccine or treatment as at today. It is
highly contagious.
b. Where is Ebola virus found in nature?
The exact origin, locations, and natural habitat (known as the
"natural reservoir") of Ebola virus remain unknown. However, on the
basis of available evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers
believe that the virus is zoonotic (animal-borne) and is normally maintained in
an animal host that is native to the African continent.
c. Where do
cases of Ebola hemorrhagic fever occur?
Confirmed cases of Ebola HF have been reported in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, Uganda, the Republic of
the Congo and now in Nigeria.
d. How is
Ebola virus spread?
People
can be exposed to Ebola virus from direct contact with the blood and/or
secretions of an infected person. Thus, the virus is often spread through
families and friends because they come in close contact with such secretions
when caring for infected persons. People can also be exposed to Ebola virus
through contact with objects, such as needles, that have been contaminated with
infected secretions.
During
outbreaks the disease is frequently spread within clinics and hospitals. The
risk for airborne transmission is low. It seems unlikely that Ebola virus would
be transmitted to other passengers during an air flight.
f. What is the incubation period or Exposure?
Once
infected, the Ebola virus takes 2 to 21days of exposure.
g. What are the symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic
fever?
The
onset of illness is abrupt and is characterized by fever, headache, joint and
muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea,
vomiting,
and stomach pain. A rash, red eyes, hiccups and internal and external bleeding
may be seen in some patients.
i. How is Ebola hemorrhagic fever
diagnosed?
In
the beginning of an outbreak the diagnosis are made on clinical ground. Laboratory
tests can only be made in a qualified laboratory or sent to highly specialized
unit.
2. Are there ways this deadly Virus (Ebola) be
Prevented?
As the primary mode of person-to-person transmission is contact with
contaminated blood, secretions or body fluids, any person who has had close
physical contact with patients should be kept under strict surveillance, i.e.
body temperature checks twice a day, with immediate hospitalization and strict
isolation recommended in case of the onset of fever.
Hospital personnel who come into close contact with patients or
contaminated materials without barrier nursing attire must be considered as
contacts and followed up accordingly.
As with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important preventive
practices is careful and frequent hand washing. Cleaning your hands often,
using soap and water (or waterless alcohol-based hand rubs when soap is not
available and hands are not visibly soiled with blood or body fluids), removes
potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease
transmission. Sanitizing machines have been provided in our receptions and other
locations in the office; please endeavour to use them frequently.
Avoid contact with dead animals, especially primates.
Do not wash hands in the same bucket as others who have touched the dead
bodies.
Avoid places of mass gathering, at least temporarily.
Do not eat “bush meat” (wild animals or bats including primates, sold
for consumption as food in local markets).
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, there is extremely low risk for the business traveler to
get Ebola hemorrhagic fever. For transmission of the virus very close contact
with people who have developed the illness is needed. Outbreaks are normally
limited to a certain geographical area where medical staff and family members
are at special risk. There is virtually no risk for transmission in aircrafts,
busses, airports offices etc.
For further
reading, please go to links below.
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