With global concern on Ebola, it is important to know what it is, its signs and symptoms and how to treat and prevent someone on having this.
According to authorities, health professionals who are assigned in the areas where Ebola is pandemic areas are the most vulnerable and high risk of acquiring the virus.
Here is the frequently asked questions about Ebola..
Definition: What is Ebola?
The Ebola virus belongs to the Filoviridae family (filovirus) and is comprised of five distinct species: Zaïre; Sudan; Côte d’Ivoire; Bundibugyo; and Reston. Subtypes Zaire,Sudan, and Ivory Coast can cause hemorrhagic symptoms; Reston does not. Reston was previously found among Philippine monkeys. The virus was found in sick pigs in the Philippines. Ebola Reston has not caused illness to humans to date but Ebola has.
What’s the Cause?
Ebola virus subtype Reston
What’s the Mode of Transmission?
Direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected persons.
The Signs and Symptoms?
- Sudden onset of fever
- Intense weakness
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Impaired kidney and liver function
- Internal and external bleeding
Is there a Treatment?
There is no standard treatment.
How about Prevention and Control?
- Wear protective clothing, such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles.
- Use infection-control measures, including complete equipment sterilization; and isolate patients from contact with unprotected persons.
The aim of all of these techniques is to avoid any person’s contact with the blood or secretions of any patient. If a patient with Ebola HF dies, it is equally important that direct contact with the body of the deceased patient be prevented.
As health care professionals, it is important to know these facts about this dreadful virus/disease and always be vigilant, our profession as front liners is high risks of possible deadly diseases, thus we need to take care of ourselves and always be on guard on the signs and symptoms of possible diseases.
References
- World Health Organization. (2011). Ebola haemorrhagic fever. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.(2009). Questions and Answers about Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ ebola/qa.htm
- World Health Organization. (2008) Ebola haemorrhagic fever. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/ fs103/en/
