EBOLA VIRUS AWARENESS

The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa (Liberia and Sierra Leone) has put most people on alert. What appeared to be an isolated outbreak has quickly turned into an economic concern across the continent. Due to limited research and inadequate scientific advice, most Africans would have wished to have access to the experimental drug from the United States.  Therefore, as lasting solutions need to be sought, raising awareness of the risk factors for Ebola infection is very important to prevent infection.

Public health emergencies respect no boarders; they are not like famines that remain localized.  Ebola outbreak is not an episode and therefore something has to be done.  Most people at the boarders are a worried lot because they feel they are unprotected from the virus as people on foot can freely pass through the boarders as they proceed to their destinations with no screening being done.

What a better way to create awareness if not through giving information on how the virus is transmitted, the symptoms and how to control and prevent it. 

How the Virus is transmitted

·         Ebola is a disease of humans and other primates.  The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human to human transmission.  In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest.

·         The virus may be acquired upon contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person/animal. 

·         Fruit bats are believed to carry and spread the virus without being affected.

·         Spreading through the air has not been documented in the natural environment.

Symptoms

·         The symptoms start two days to three weeks after contracting the virus.

·      The disease is often characterized by a sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, Stomach pain, lack of appetite and sore throat.

·         It is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function.

·         As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs which causes blood-clotting levels to drop and this leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding (both internal and external).

Prevention and control

·         No licensed specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals.  Raising awareness of the risk factors for Ebola infection and the protective measures individuals can take is the only way to reduce human infection and death.

·         If an outbreak is suspected, the premises should be quarantined immediately. 

·         Reduce the risk of animal to human transmission, wearing protective clothing

·         Properly cooking meat and wearing protective clothing when handling meat

Other diseases with similar symptoms

·         Malaria, cholera, typhoid fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers

Did you know that:

·         Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness.

·         A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms can’t spread the disease.

·         Some of the people who become sick with Ebola are able to recover.

I know it is human of us to get scared once even one symptom that is similar to that of Ebola shows up, but it is advisable that before getting into any conclusions, see a specialist because it could be something else.