Understanding Ebola Virus: Symptoms, Prevention, and Risks

Overview of Ebola Virus

In this video, we discuss the Ebola virus, its impact, and preventive measures.

What is Ebola?

Ebola virus is a severe and often fatal disease. Currently, there are no licensed treatments or vaccines available.

Impact of Ebola

Ebola poses a significant threat in Africa, particularly highlighted by outbreaks like the one in 2014 that claimed thousands of lives across Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.

Spread and Transmission

Ebola spreads through:

• Contact with blood, body fluids, or organs of an infected person.
• Survives on surfaces and can be transmitted through contact with contaminated materials.
• Other modes include soiled clothing, unprotected sex, and unsterilised medical equipment.

Risk Factors

Those at highest risk include:

• Hospital workers,
• Family members caring for infected individuals,
• Anyone handling bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms

Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhoea, vomiting, rash, and internal bleeding. Fatality rates range from 50% to 90%.

Treatment

There is no approved treatment or vaccine yet. Supportive care involves:

• Isolation and intensive care,
• Fluid management and vital support,
• Experimental drugs like ZMapp under development.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Strict infection control protocols,
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers,
• Proper disposal of medical waste and disinfection procedures.

Public Concerns and FAQs

Travel Concerns

Travelling with Ebola:

• No risk from casual contact or air travel unless exposed to infected body fluids.
• Protocol for handling suspected cases on flights and at airports.

Current Developments

The situation with Ebola:

• Monitoring by WHO and global health bodies,
• Changing guidelines and recommendations as the situation evolves.

Stay informed through reliable health sources for the latest updates.