Skip to main content

Prevention from EBOLA

Ebola is a deadly virus which causes severe illness in humans which is often fatal. The virus is rare and it is known to cause internal and external bleeding in humans. The disease is known as Ebola Hemorrhagic fever or Ebola. When the virus spreads in the body, it impacts the organs and causes damage to them as well as to the immune system.

As the proverb goes, “Prevention is better than cure”, here are a few steps to be followed for protecting oneself from getting infected with Ebola:
  • While handling animals, wear gloves and other protective clothing. Animal products such as blood and meat should be properly cooked before consumption. This will reduce the risk of transmission of virus from infected fruit bats or monkeys/apes.
  • To reduce the risk of transmission from an Ebola infected person, care should be taken that direct contact with their body fluids is avoided. If you are providing care to ill people, then you should wear gloves and other protective equipment while handling such patients.
  • Practice proper hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or by using an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid getting engaged with the burial rituals of a person who was suffering from Ebola. If you have to attend then refrain yourself from touching the dear body.
  • Do not handle such items such as needles, clothing, medical equipment or bedding, which have been handled by an Ebola infected person.
  • Avoid getting in sexual contact with a man or a woman who has recovered from Ebola. Since there is a risk of sexual transmission, refrain from any kind of sexual contact for at least three months from the day symptoms have stopped recurring.
  • Avoid visiting facilities in West Africa where patients with Ebola are getting treated.
Healthcare workers should take following preventive steps:
  • They should wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Proper infection control and sterilization techniques should be practiced by them.
  • Patients with Ebola should be isolated from other patients.
  • They should avoid unprotected contact with the dead body of a person who suffered from Ebola.
  • Inform the medical officer in case the worker has come in direct contact with the blood or bodily fluid of an Ebola infected individual.

Popular posts from this blog

Updates on current ebola outbreak

 Dealing with Ebola outbreaks is like battling a wildfire—swift action and robust strategies are essential to contain the spread. As of now, several regions, particularly in Central and West Africa, are still grappling with this deadly virus. Let’s break down the current situation, the response efforts, and the ongoing challenges. The Current Situation: Regions Affected As of 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda have reported the most recent outbreaks. These areas have faced recurrent Ebola flare-ups, often linked to the Zaire ebolavirus species, known for its high fatality rate. The outbreaks typically start in remote areas but can spread to urban centers, complicating containment efforts. Response Efforts: Rapid and Coordinated Action The response to these outbreaks involves a multi-faceted approach: Rapid Diagnosis and Isolation : Quick identification of cases is crucial. Health workers use diagnostic tools to confirm Ebola and isolate patients to prevent furt...

The West African Ebola outbreak

 The West African Ebola outbreak, spanning from 2014 to 2016, stands as one of the most harrowing public health crises in recent history. This outbreak was not just about the staggering number of cases, but also about the profound impact on communities, healthcare systems, and the global response to epidemics. Let’s unpack this significant event. The Outbreak: A Sudden Surge The Ebola outbreak in West Africa began quietly in December 2013 in a small village in Guinea. By March 2014, the virus had spread to the capital, Conakry, and soon crossed borders into Liberia and Sierra Leone. This was the first time Ebola had hit these densely populated and highly mobile areas, leading to an unprecedented spread. The Human Toll: Lives Lost and Affected The numbers paint a grim picture: over 28,000 reported cases and more than 11,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these statistics only scratch the surface of the human suffering. Entire families were wiped o...