Ebola Virus Disease is a hemorrhagic disease that is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids on an infected individual/animal.
It should be noted that EBV becomes infectious upon onset of signs and symptoms. EBV signs and symptoms are divided into two categories: Dry and wet.
The Dry symptoms include:
Fever
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Abdominal Pain
Joint/muscle pain
Lethargy
The wet symptoms include:
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Bleeding from body openings
Liver and kidney failure are often characteristics of the end stages of the disease and are indicative of a poor prognosis.
It is therefore important to seek medical attention as early as possible since the disease's progression is very fast.
Early diagnosis of EBV is difficult due to the non-specific nature of the first presenting signs and symptoms. Vigilance and adherence to preventative measures are therefore the most important ways in which we can curb the spread of this scourge.
Preventative measures include but are not limited to:
Avoidance of contact with or ingestion of Bush meat or wild animals such as fruit bats and primates.
Prevent travel to endemic areas as it would increase chances of being a carrier of the virus to other places.
Exercise good personal hygiene by washing your hands and frequently as you can. Use of hand disinfectant or sanitizers would equally help in killing of germs
Avoidance of touching soft parts of the face such as the nose, eyes and mouth
Minimise cash transactions as the virus can survive on money
Avoid involvement in burial rituals on bodies of people whose cause of death is suspicious or ambiguous.
If you or a loved one is experiencing the aforementioned symptoms or have history of travel to an endemic area , please contact the EVD toll-free hotline : 0800 299 000, and exercise self isolation until a team is dispatched to confirm whether or not you are infected with the virus.
Remember that global/public health security is achieved through the consolidated efforts of both health facilities and the community. Together, we can and will get through this outbreak.
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