There is no doubt that the Ebola outbreak has created a lot of fear all over the world. The main driving force behind this fear is the fact the virus spreads very first and seems unstoppable once it starts taking down a population. Is there any way to protect ourselves against the disease? Unfortunately, there is no vaccine that has been approved as yet. The only proven way of Ebola protection is to avoid getting into contact with the virus.
Personal protective equipment should be worn by persons handling infected materials. The virus is transmitted in fluids such as saliva, blood, sweat or vomit. It is important that we stay as far away from these fluids as possible. The personal protective equipment is a fully body suit that comprises a gown, face mask, medical gloves and protective eye wear. Ensure that you put on two pairs of gloves especially when handling infected sharp objects.
If you suspect that you have come into contact with an infected person, you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. A hand sanitizer may also be helpful in the event that water is a problem. This helps to reduce the risk of transmission both to you and others. Do not use items that have been used by a person suspected to be infected. Places that have been used by persons with the disease should be hosed down before they can be reused.
Disinfection and sterilization are procedures that can be instituted whenever there is a need to reuse equipment that has been contaminated. Chlorine bleach is particularly effective for needles and other sharps. The sharps are typically soaked in the bleach for about thirty minutes to kill the virus. This process has to be repeated at least twice. The bleach may also be used on large equipment and surfaces.
People who die from Ebola remain infectious for a long period of time. The virus feeds on the tissues until the whole body has decomposed. This means that careful disposal of corpses is required. Any death that is suspected to be a result of Ebola should be reported to the local department of public health. There should be no direct contact whatsoever.
The virus has been shown to affect other animals other than human beings. Non-human primates and bats are some of the well known hosts of this virus. In fact, it is thought that the first infection in humans resulted from one of these animals. The body fluids and tissues of these animals should be avoided just as those from human beings.
If you have traveled to an endemic area recently, you need to conduct self monitoring as you look out for symptoms suggestive of the disease. A fever is almost always present in people that have been infected. It may or may not be associated with other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pains or a headache. It is important that you go to the hospital as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms.
To control the Ebola outbreak, there is a need to have a well coordinated surveillance system that helps in early disease detection and prompt intervention. This is the only way that will help interrupt disease transmission. Persons with confirmed disease should be isolated for treatment. Only properly trained medical personnel should attend to them.
Personal protective equipment should be worn by persons handling infected materials. The virus is transmitted in fluids such as saliva, blood, sweat or vomit. It is important that we stay as far away from these fluids as possible. The personal protective equipment is a fully body suit that comprises a gown, face mask, medical gloves and protective eye wear. Ensure that you put on two pairs of gloves especially when handling infected sharp objects.
If you suspect that you have come into contact with an infected person, you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. A hand sanitizer may also be helpful in the event that water is a problem. This helps to reduce the risk of transmission both to you and others. Do not use items that have been used by a person suspected to be infected. Places that have been used by persons with the disease should be hosed down before they can be reused.
Disinfection and sterilization are procedures that can be instituted whenever there is a need to reuse equipment that has been contaminated. Chlorine bleach is particularly effective for needles and other sharps. The sharps are typically soaked in the bleach for about thirty minutes to kill the virus. This process has to be repeated at least twice. The bleach may also be used on large equipment and surfaces.
People who die from Ebola remain infectious for a long period of time. The virus feeds on the tissues until the whole body has decomposed. This means that careful disposal of corpses is required. Any death that is suspected to be a result of Ebola should be reported to the local department of public health. There should be no direct contact whatsoever.
The virus has been shown to affect other animals other than human beings. Non-human primates and bats are some of the well known hosts of this virus. In fact, it is thought that the first infection in humans resulted from one of these animals. The body fluids and tissues of these animals should be avoided just as those from human beings.
If you have traveled to an endemic area recently, you need to conduct self monitoring as you look out for symptoms suggestive of the disease. A fever is almost always present in people that have been infected. It may or may not be associated with other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pains or a headache. It is important that you go to the hospital as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms.
To control the Ebola outbreak, there is a need to have a well coordinated surveillance system that helps in early disease detection and prompt intervention. This is the only way that will help interrupt disease transmission. Persons with confirmed disease should be isolated for treatment. Only properly trained medical personnel should attend to them.
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