Cuba has put a step forward to help West Africa fight against the deadly Ebola outbreak with its decision to send more than 450 doctors to the Ebola-hit nations. Xinhua reported that the 1st batch of 165 healthcare workers comprising of 62 doctors and 103 nurses will be arriving in Sierra Leone, a West African nation, in early October. While, the 2ndbatch of around 296 healthcare professional and nurses will head to the other two Ebola-hit African countries – Liberia and Guinea, later in the month.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed gratitude to Cuba for providing clinical assistance in dealing with the Ebola crisis. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ebola virus has killed nearly 2,500 West Africans and more than twice as many have been infected with the Ebola Virus, since its outbreak early this year.
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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