22/10/2014
Know More About The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Please share this information with your friends and families and try not to spread panic.
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is a severe often fatal illness in humans. It affects both humans and animals and is very deadly with up to 90% fatality rate in humans.
TRANSMISSION
Human to human transmission is only achieved by physical contact with a person who is acutely and gravely ill from the Ebola virus or their body fluids. This includes
+ Direct contact with the blood, vomit, feaces, urine, other body fluids or organs of an infected human or animal. Note that the virus remains active even after the host has died.
+ Indirect contact with the environment contaminated with such fluids.
+ People in direct contact with sick people are at high risk, i.e. family members and health workers.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
+ Flu-like symptoms (Fever, muscle pain, sore throat, weakness, headache)
+ Stomach pains
+ Diarrhea
+ Vomiting
+ Rashes
DIAGNOSIS
Early diagnosis is difficult because many of the early symptoms are similar to other infectious diseases like typhoid and malaria. The following laboratory tests can be carried out to identify the virus:
+ Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assa (ELISA)
+ Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
TREATMENT
This consists of supportive hospital care, which include providing fluids, maintaining adequate blood pressure, replacing blood loss and treating other infections that develop.
PREVENTION
+ As always, practice good hand washing techniques
+ Barrier nursing: Those involved in the treatment of infected patients should apply barrier protection using appropriate personal protective equipment and following infection control procedures.
+ Do not handle remains of dead people or animals if it is suspected that they died from the virus.
The key to prevention is awareness and good personal hygiene.
