The chief medical officer of Liberia has put herself under Ebola quarantine for 21 days, following death of one of her assistants due to the Ebola virus. Bernice Dahn, Liberia’s deputy health minister said that although the medical officer had no symptoms of the Ebola virus disease, this measure is a mere precautionary step. According to the chief medical officer, other than the office assistant (who died early this week due to the Ebola), she had not come into contact with any other infected people but plans to follow every precaution.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 3,000 people have died from the Ebola virus disease in West Africa. Accounting to around 1,830 deaths, with more than 150 people died of Ebola in the last 2 days, Liberia is known to be the worst hit nation by the Ebola disease. The WHO has reported that around 375 healthcare workers are known to have been infected as of now and more than 211 have died so far from the virus in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Since the deadly Ebola virus gets easily transmitted through the infected body fluids, health workers are particularly more susceptible get infected by the virus. Hence, health organisations have advised isolation of suspected people for at least 21 days (incubation period for the virus).
Ebola facts — frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Ebola virus outbreak has threatened West Africa with the death toll increasing at an alarming rate every day. The lack of proper awareness about the Ebola infection adds to the deadly potential of the virus, increasing the risk of being infected with Ebola. Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) with answers about the deadly Ebola disease -
1. How is the Ebola virus disease caused?
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a contagious disease caused by infection with one of the four strains of the Ebola virus. The Ebola virus belongs to the family of Filoviridae and the viral strains with potential for infection in humans are Zaire, Bundibugyo, Tai Forest and Sudan virus. (Read: Ebola virus — causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)
2. How does it spread?
The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the body fluids (semen, sweat, saliva and blood), infected objects (needles) and close skin contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through close contact with infected animals (handling the meat) and consumption of uncooked meat. (Read:10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
3.What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Ebola virus usually appear between 2 to 21 days after being infected with the virus. The early symptoms include high fever (greater than 38.6°C), headache, drop in blood pressure and stomach pain. Whereas late signs of Ebola infections which indicate medical emergency are sore throat, jaundice, skin rashes, bleeding and loss of appetite. (Read: 9 warning symptoms of Ebola that you should know)
4. Who is at highest risk of getting the disease?
Any individuals who are in close contact with the person infected with the Ebola virus are at high risk of getting the disease. Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses and ward boys) who are taking care of the patients as well as family members and friends who are in close contact with the infected person are at higher risk of acquiring the infection. Read more about FAQs related to Ebola
With inputs from IANS
Image Source: Getty Images
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