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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Understanding Ebola Virus !!

Ebola Virus is dangerously spreading in some parts of the world ( Africa in particular )

A few pointers you should keep in mind about Ebola Virus:

Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. Infection has been documented through the handling of infected fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest. Spreads in the community through human-to-human transmission, with infection resulting from direct contact. Men who have recovered from the disease can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery from illness. in so far, around 670 people have died, and a few doctors treating this virus have also died after contracting it. It is a near fatal disease.

Characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.

NO TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE.

If an outbreak is suspected, the premises should be quarantined immediately. Culling of infected animals, with close supervision of burial or incineration of carcasses, may be necessary to reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission. Restricting or banning the movement of animals from infected farms to other areas can reduce the spread of the disease.

Health care professionals must stick to precautionary guidelines.