Once again, #Ebola is in the news!
Ebola is an illness that cause death in up to 9 out of every 10 persons infected.
It is caused by a tiny particle called a virus. Some viruses cause mild illnesses (like common cold). Others like Ebola virus cause very severe illness and quite often, death.
Ebola was first described in 1976 in Yambuku in the Ebola river basin of the then Zaire. Since then, there have been several outbreaks of the disease in West, Central and East Africa.
Ebola is believed to have an animal reservoir, most likely bats but this has not been confirmed by research.
Human beings and apes get infected by direct contact with infected tissue or body fluids. Ebola can be sexually transmitted through semen.
Hunting for or eating “bush meat” may contribute to outbreaks of Ebola. Poor health facilities and burial rituals (for dead victims) lead to infections of medical workers and caregivers. Travel also helps spread the illness from country to country.
About three days after exposure to infected material, symptoms of fever, severe headache, sore throat and body pains may appear. This may be mistaken for malaria or other common fevers.
After these, a rash may appear in fair people. The eyes may become very bloodshot.
Eventually, most organ systems in the body begin to fail and patients may be noticed to bleed excessively from different places.
Most patients (40 – 90%) do not survive beyond this stage. Survivors begin to show a gradual recovery after 2 weeks of infection.
Special tests are required to confirm Ebola. These tests are not readily available in most areas affected by these disease.
Hence, Ebola outbreaks are usually full-blown before they are recognized.
There is no specific treatment or cure for #Ebola. No preventive vaccine is currently available.
Many drugs have been tried but with disappointing results.
In treating #Ebola, the aim is to support the victim’s systems with fluids, proper feeding and to provide comfort. Some patients with Ebola virus disease will survive and spontaneously recover if provided with prompt intensive/supportive care.
Ebola infection is not a death aentence!
Attempts are made to control spread of the disease by nursing patients under special restricted conditions. All infected materials (beddings, etc) is specially disposed of.
There are many conditions that Ebola resembles especially in the initial period.
In view of the ongoing outbreak, physicians and the public should be on high alert especially when in contact with an ill person who travelled to Ivory Coast, Sudan, DRC or other neighbouring countries recently.
That fever may not be “ordinary” malaria or typhoid especially if there is severe headache or sore throat.
Testing kits for Ebola should be made readily available by government at all levels.
Our health facilities are not equipped to handle ebola epidemics which could very easily spread from patients to medical workers to the rest of the public.
Carriers of Ebola virus ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS until they are acutely ill. Only when ill does the viral load express itself first in the blood and then in other bodily fluids
(to include vomit, feces, urine, breast milk, semen and sweat). If you are walking around with the virus you are most likeky not infectious to others.
People at greatest risk are health workers, family members/caregivers of ill patients and those who handle the corpses of Ebola victims. A distance of 10m from an acutely ill person is considered as safe even without personal protective equipment.
Raising awareness and practising appropriate preventive measures are important ways to contain and outbreak of the Ebola virus disease.
Steps in prevention of Ebola infection and control of an outbreak include;
1. Regular hand wash under running water using regular soap. In areas where water may be scarce, using ash to clean the hands is adviced. In between washes, use of hand sanitizers or any alcohol-based preparation is recommended.
2. Avoiding contact with body fluids from seriously ill patients or any persons suspected/confirmed to have the Ebola virus disease.
3. Staying well away from the corpses of persons suspected or confirmed to have died from the Ebola virus disease.
4. Avoiding contact with wild monkeys, bats or other bush animals. In several instances, an outright ban has been placed on the hunting for such animals to help contain an Ebola epidermic.
5. Properly cooking meat products from wild animals before consumption.
6. Properly covering up all breaks or injuries on the skin to avoid providing easy access following contact with body fluids of suspected infected persons.
7. Encouraging safe sex practices.
8. Educating all persons around you on the manifestations of Ebola virus disease and how to prevent infection as well.
9. Encouraging all persons with sudden onset fever or other early symptoms to go to the hospital for proper evaluation and possible acreening.
10. Avoiding any attempts at self-medication and “home treatment”. These practices put family members and loved ones at increased risk of being infected.
“Lens On Ebola” Project
The “Lens On Ebola” project is a collaborative effort (between Co-creation Hub, Nollywood workshops, Mainframe media, and Naija247Medic) aimed at educating the Nigerian populace on the Ebola scourge and best practices to protect individuals. It uses short video clips/PSAs (Public Service Announcement) featuring popular Nollywood figures/personalities to deliver useful information about Ebola and preventive steps. It also includes the use of catchy fliers to educate and orientate.
Is It Ebola? http://t.co/t7zp1psMIv
Wash Your Hands http://t.co/JQRQKgOXJJ
Together we can all #StopEbola if we #StayCalm and follow all the outlined precautions.
Naija247Medic's Blog 
Is Ebola a virus “parasite”? That is, does it like the blood of corpses or the blood of female mammals that drops from them onto rain forest flora during normal menstrual cycle? This being the case, the blood drops on a sharp rain forest leaf which could cut a human turning them into a new “accidental” host. Given the sanitary bathroom facilities, or lack of them in Africa, the blood from menstrual cycle could be hosting bonanza breeding spot for the Ebola. The Ebola, if a “parasite” virus, may be controlled by parasite cures. For example, blood, if subject to high iron content, could have a positive impact. Parasites typically don’t like Golden Berries, Pumpkin Seeds (RAW), and iron supplements for blood? Ebola articles seem to “dance” around the fact that the Ebola must ground itself in the blood to spread, grow and reproduce. Ebola, probably been around a long time in the Rain Forest. Given this comment on how it may have spread naturally, Ebola is not going to do well in a winter climate.
Dat will be bettr
nice information
we really appreciate this information….
Luv this post, it as brought about clearification due to the rumour of the SALT and WATER solution spreading all round Nigeria
Am grateful for the information you give to us am going to make use of it…thanks our information professional
For all your careness its thankful but traditional medicure it can be helpfull since conteporary one declined
Fully appreciated
Vital information.we need more update.pls supply when it comes
I hope and pray that it doesn’t become one, but if Ebola should turn into a pandemic, hopefully this e-book will help people get a better understanding of what a pandemic is, and how to prepare for it should it come their way. It would also be helpful if someone is concerned that it may soon come to their region. My heart and my prayers go out to those on the front lines, and those who live in areas where the Ebola virus is active.
The Pandemic Preparedness Guide
That infected nurse’s dog cannot get the virus . Animals don’t get it BUT he can be a carrier and is probably carrying. He can pass it along and probably will if they are not careful. You see pix of it kissing her.