SPREAD THE WORD NOT THE VIRUS: EBOLA VIRUS.

Hello everyone, hope we all had a good week. I am excited to share with you today because this is my first health post here. With my deep interest in Public Health, I would love to share with you, very vital information about this virus bringing people down in their hundreds, in the simplest way I can. As we all know, Prevention is better than cure. Be part of the informed population.

Ebola virus causes Ebola virus disease in humans, it was formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever. It is one of the most harmful viral diseases that affects humans.

It is transmitted to people by coming in contact with infected wild animals like chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines that were found ill, dead or in the rainforest. It is transmitted to the community by direct contact with infected person’s blood, secretion such as saliva and sweat, sex, air droplets, contact with person who died of the infection. It affects adults more than children. Healthcare providers are most at risk population of infection.

Ebola virus occurs mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. The first recorded outbreak was in Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1976 with about 318 reported cases and 280 reported deaths. There is a current outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone with 157, 21 and 14 reported cases and 101, 12 and 7 reported deaths respectively. Nigeria is however at risk due to the continuous influx of people into the country.

Ebola virus is prevented by thorough cooking of animal products, avoid physical contact with infected people, regular hand washing is also advised. People who have died from Ebola virus should be buried immediately and safely with minimal contact. Maintaining a good personal hygiene is of utmost importance in this period.

There is presently no cure or vaccine to stop this virus. Symptoms includes: sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat which is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash and bleeding.

Bringing suspected infected people to the health center increase their chances of survival and prevent other people from being infected.

Be healthy, stay healthy.

Share this information with people you care about.