What should we know about Ebola Virus Disease?
Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. It is one of the world’s most virulent diseases.The infection is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.
"Ebola virus disease outbreaks can devastate families and communities, but the infection can be controlled through the use of recommended protective measures in clinics and hospitals, at community gatherings, or at home.If the ebola virus contacts a person's skin, this does not mean the person is then automatically infected by the virus. The virus is not active until it gains access into a person's mucous membrane. Mucous membranes are those pink fleshy places in the openings of the body like the eyes, nose, inner ears, mouth, anus, opening of the penis and vagina or any wound on any part of the body. So if the virus is on the skin of the hand, it is easy for the virus to enter the mucous membrane because people touch these parts of the body with their fingers. The hands are very important. This is why we encourage everybody to wash their hands often and rub sanitizers. This limits the possibility of being infected. "
Spread the knowledge, not the fear. Facts will save you, not fear. Together we can win the battle against ebola. - Dr Davis Oyinloye
Safety steps to practice.
-Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water.
Sources confirmed that the virus is killed with heat, soap and bleach. (For clothes washed in a washing machine)
- In situations where the above might seem less feasible.. A hand sanitizer could be used.
The latter is most preferred.
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