Latest Ebola News: US senator says they are ready if Ebola virus spreads to the country

Authorities in the US are prepared if the Ebola virus disease enters the country, a senator of the Republican Party said. ‘Ebola virus is as much of a threat as the Islamic State (IS) terrorists, but experts in US know what to do if the disease spreading through three West African nations ever comes to the US,’ USA Today Thursday quoted senator Lamar Alexander as saying.

Alexander, the top Republican on the senate committee on health, education, labour and pensions, held discussions on Ebola with Vanderbilt University physicians and scientists and the state epidemiologist, Tim Jones. ‘I saw them making the antibodies that they will give to healthcare workers treating people with Ebola,’ Alexander said in an interview after the tour. ‘It’s not an approved solution yet, but it’s further along than anything else I’ve heard of.’

The deadliest Ebola virus disease epidemic in history has claimed 2,800 lives in West Africa. A total of 5,800 people were infected with the Ebola virus in the hardest-hit countries — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Here are some tips prevent Ebola infection

Educate yourself about Ebola: Knowing the symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures is the first step to prevent the spread of the disease. This information is especially important for those who are travelling to and from affected areas in West Africa.   (Read: Has the Ebola virus really come to India?)

Maintain sanitary conditions: Basic hygiene plays a very important role in preventing Ebola. The exact way by which the virus enters the body is still debatable but skin and eyes are suggested routes for viral entry. However, food and water may also serve as source of entry. So, simple acts like washing hands before eating and disinfecting surfaces and covering the mouth can help prevent the spread of the virus, especially in areas surrounding the areas of outbreak. Read more about 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection

With inputs from IANS

Photo souce: Getty images

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