WHAT IS EBOLA FEVER

The Ebola fever is a severe and often fatal disease in humans and other primates (monkey, chimpanzees and bats).

The Ebola haemorrhagic fever is caused by Ebola virus. The Ebola virus is transmitted from infected wild animals (fruits, bats gorillas, etc.) and also from human to human through direct contact with blood, secretions or body fluids of an infected person.

The disease is caused by infection with Ebola virus, named after river in the democratic republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) in Africa, where it was first recognized.

The virus causes severe illnesses with bleeding, causing many to be quickly infected with about 90% fatality rate.

No vaccine or treatment has been discovered has been discovered or available yet. Most people with Ebola die.

SYMPTOMS

1.    Tiredness

2.    Nausea

3.    Fever

4.    Headache

5.    Sore throat

6.    Joint and muscle soreness

7.    Weakness

The Ebola fever symptom

At later stages, other symptoms include:

1.    Diarrhea- may contain blood

2.    Cough- may contain blood

3.    Redness in the eyes

4.    Swelling of the genitals

5.    Impaired kidney and liver function

6.    Internal and external bleeding- mostly from the nose and mouth

7.    As Ebola fever progresses, the symptoms become more severe. Late-stage symptoms may include vomiting with blood.

PREVENTION

The best way to treat Ebola virus is to prevent it.

1.    Ebola virus risk of infection can be lowered by reducing contact with people you suspect to be infected, especially during times when there is an outbreak of Ebola fever.

2.    Always be sure to wear special protective clothing (gown, gloves, full facial mask and eye goggles) if you are around a person with Ebola fever.

3.    Keep away from someone who is sick or dead of Ebola fever.

4.    Do not touch an infected person or their body fluids- blood, vomit, urine, faeces or diarrhea.

5.    Bury dead bodies of animals carefully.

6.    Wash your hands often with soap.

7.    Do not wash, touch or kiss dead bodies. Do not wash hands in the same bucket as others who have touched the body

8.    Animal products (such as blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

9.    Avoid contact with wild animals and avoid eating bush meat- especially monkey and bat meats.

10. Avoid non- essential travels to countries or regions where the Ebola is prevalent.

What to do if you get sick

If you suspect you have developed any of the symptoms described above:

1.    Keep away from others so that they don’t get infected.

2.    Handle your body fluids carefully in a hygienic manner and wash your hands after each contact with you body fluids.

3.    Kindly proceed to the nearest health centre or your primary care provider. You may be referred to a specialist centre.