WHAT IS EBOLA VIRUS ? AND HOW CAN U PREVENT OR TREAT IT

What is Ebola?

Introduction

Ebola Virus Disease is a virulent killer, there are no specific treatments or vaccine for Ebola virus disease. It takes between 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus for someone to feel sick and show the signs and symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease

Where is Ebola found?

Though the natural habitat of the Ebola virus is unknown, Ebola virus is normally found in an animal host that is native to the African continent.

Where do cases of Ebola Virus Disease occur?

Outbreaks of Ebola VD have been mainly restricted to Africa. Confirmed cases of Ebola VD have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Sudan, the Ivory Coast, Uganda and the Republic of the Congo. Ebola VD is usually spread within a health care setting. However, sporadic isolated cases may occur unnoticed.

How is Ebola Virus Disease spread?

The manner in which the Ebola virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak has not been determined. However, Ebola VD could be spread through the following:

Direct contact with an infected animal or human;Direct contact with the blood and or secretions of an infected person especially within families;Contact with contaminated medical equipment such as needles;Reuse of unsterilized needles in hospital;Eating or handling of the carcass of infected animals;Inhalation of contaminated air in hospital environment;Use of infected non human primate/bats as food source;Non implementation of universal precautions.

What are the symptoms of Ebola Virus Disease?

The incubation period for Ebola VD ranges from 2 to 21 days. The signs and symptoms of Ebola VD include:

Who is at risk?

People exposed to and handling wild animals;People depending on wild animals such as bats as a food source;Mortuary attendants;Health workers caring for Ebola VD patients;Health workers in hospital settings with poor basic hygiene and sanitation practices;Family members of an infected patient;People that go to hospitals with poor hygiene and sanitation practices;

How to prevent Ebola:

Wash & Sanitize your hands regularly maintain good hygiene and sanitization practices in homes, public gatherings and hospitalsDisinfect floors and Surfaces regularly Floors and surfaces may contain fluids / blood trails of infected people. Keep your floors disinfected so that you do not come in contact with such fluid.Avoid contact with infected carcasses Dead bodies of an infected animal or human carry the virus. Bury carefully and keep away, or wear protective gear.Avoid bush meat Especially of Monkeys, Chimpanzees and BatsWash fruits thoroughly Ensure your fruits are clean, and do not eat plums already eaten by bats