Ebola Virus

By Alon Calinao Dy: Ebola Virus, a form of haemorrhagic fever, has killed many people in West Africa. According to World Health Organization that Ebola deaths have increased recently from 729 to 887 in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.

Is there any medicines or vaccines for Ebola virus?

The answer is NO. There is no cure or vaccine for this and it can easily be transmitted through close contact with infected body fluids or contaminated needles.

Where Ebola virus came from?

This deadly virus started in 1976 that killed many residents in Zaire. Many scientists now claim that it came from monkeys in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It affects both humans and non-human primates. 

The early symptoms of Ebola virus include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Backache
• Arthritis
• Chills
• Fatique
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea 
• Malaise 
• Nausea
• Vomitting

Late symptoms are:

• Conjuctivis 
• Bleeding from eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
• Rashes all over the body often contains blood

Again, there is no cure for human Ebola infection. A lot of scientists try to discover medicine or vaccine for this, but at this moment, it remains mystery. So there are ways to avoid this epidemic disease. "Prevention is better than cure" according to most healthcare providers.

What are the ways to prevent the spread of Ebola virus?

DOH Preventive Measures Against Ebola:

1.) Avoid close contact with infected patients;
2.) Avoid consumption of the raw meat of possible infected animals like fruit bats, monkeys or apes;
3.) Wear gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of ill patients at home; 
4.) Wash hands after taking care of ill patients at more.

If you want to learn more about hand washing. Read more at 
www.aloncalinaody.blogspot.com/2014/06/why-hand-washing-is-extremely-important.html

Ebola is so dangerous that public awareness campaigns should be implemented right away by our healthcare agencies. The virus does not easily perish, because even in funerals, people who touch the remains of Ebola patient might get the virus. Usually when the host dies, the virus is also gone. Ebola is different. That's why it is very deadly.

So, do not touch any contaminated things like towels or drinking items from Ebolas patients. Some experts suggest that it is better to cremate the bodies of Ebola victims when they die to ensure that it won't spread anymore.