The Ebola Virus, known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), and formerly referred to as Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever is speedily gaining grounds across West Africa.
So far, it has reportedly killed 632 people and has had it’s first death case here in Nigeria.
Virus was detected by culture and/or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in 16 of 54 clinical specimens (including saliva, stool, semen, breast milk, tears, nasal blood, and a skin swab) and in 2 of 33 environmental specimens.We conclude that EBOV is shed in a wide variety of bodily fluids during the acute period of illness but that the risk of transmission from fomites in an isolation ward and from convalescent patients is low when currently recommended infection control guidelines for the viral hemorrhagic fevers are followed.”
What this clearly means is that the virus can be gotten through unprotected sex and kissing infected people. In addition, if one comes in contact with bodily secretions found on needles, scalpels, soiled clothes and linens, there is high risk of infection.
Other ways one can contact the disease are through contact with a contaminated objects, butchering an infected animal and touching the dead body of someone who has died from the disease.
Fruit bats are also natural hosts of the virus, according to the World Health Organization. For people who enjoy eating bats, they have been warned to desist. Also, researchers believe humans are infected by handling dead or alive infected animals (like chimpanzees, gorillas and forest antelopes). People are advised to avoid bush meat.
Ebola Kills
Out of the 410 suspected and confirmed cases of Ebola in Guinea, 310 suspected deaths have occurred. Of the 196 suspected and confirmed cases in Liberia, 116 suspected deaths have occurred. Of 442 suspected and confirmed cases in Sierra Leone, 206 suspected deaths have occurred. Ebola kills 80 to 90 percent of the time, says Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Diagnosis is Hard in the Early Stages
Because the first symptoms of Ebola could be signs of other conditions like skin rash and red eyes, it is usually hard to diagnose. However, tests can be run in a hospital.
General Symptoms
Fever
Headache
Joint and muscle aches
Weakness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Lack of appetite
Some patients sometimes experience:
A Rash
Red Eyes
Hiccups
Cough
Sore throat
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Haemorrhaging inside and outside of the body
Symptoms sometimes appear from 2 to 21 days after a person gets infected but the most common is 8-10 days.
Ebola Has no Cure or Vaccine
Treatments and vaccines are being tested right now but so far, nothing has been made available for the cure or prevention of Ebola. There is only supportive therapy for infected persons and this consists of maintaining blood pressure and oxygen levels, and maintaining adequate fluid and electrolyte balance.
Some People Do Recover From Ebola
The percentage of recoveries is very low, most times just 1 out of 10 reported cases makes it out alive. It is yet uncertain why some people are able to fight it and others cannot.
How to Prevent Infection of Ebola
Avoid direct and indirect contact with bodily fluids and tissue of infected persons.
Frequent Hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer.
Fruits and vegetables must be washed properly before eating; avoid bush meat and even suya, which the source is not known.
Avoid shaking of hands and hugging of people, at least for now.
Practise safe sex
Watch children and even adults to discourage them from licking their fingers before washing. Nail biting should be avoided.
The use of gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment must be used in taking care of ill patients. Proper handling of corpses, which may involve a modification of burial practices, is also a preventive step.
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