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.
