A virus belonging to the ""Filoviridae"" family is what causes the Ebola virus disease (EVD). This family of viruses has very large members with numerous long filaments or tails. There are now five known species of the Ebola virus. There are four of them that are known to harm people. Ebola virus cannot spread easily from person to person in the air and cannot survive for very long on surfaces outside of the body, unlike tiny viruses like the influenza virus. Haemorrhagic fever is a severe illness brought on by the Ebola virus. A haemorrhagic fever is characterized by bleeding into the blood vessels, a loss of platelets and white blood cells, low blood pressure, and shock. The symptoms of various illnesses including hemorrhagic fevers are similar to those of the Ebola virus disease. A diagnosis of Ebola must be supported by medical tests. Ebola viruses have been linked to past epidemics in a number of Central African nations and were the primary cause of a significant outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the typical case mortality rate is about 50%. In prior outbreaks, rates ranged from 25% to 90%.
The Ebola virus sickness spreads in what way?
Direct contact with bodily fluids or tissues of an infected person with EVD symptoms or a recently deceased person (such as blood, saliva, feces, or vomit), as well as from infected animals, is how the Ebola virus is disseminated. The virus can get into your body through cuts or other skin breaks, as well as your eyes, nose, and mouth. Additionally, contact with contaminated materials like filthy bedding or medical supplies like contaminated needles can spread the Ebola virus disease. Ebola does not transmit through the air (unlike the seasonal flu virus), through water, or through mosquitoes. The disease cannot spread simply by walking past an infected person. There is no proof that touching objects touched by an infected person can spread Ebola. When the first signs of the sickness occur, the amount of virus in the body of the infected individual grows large. To spread a disease, a person must be exhibiting symptoms of illness. No cases of Ebola transmission during the incubation period (the period before symptoms show up) have been documented.
What are the chances of contracting the Ebola virus?
The risk of infection for the general population (those who are not in close touch with symptomatic folks) is incredibly low in Canada and in any location where there is not an epidemic. Although certain professions (such as laboratory and healthcare professionals) have a higher risk of exposure, these workplaces employ infection prevention measures to lower that risk. People in an EVD-affected area who take precautions or limit their contact with others are at a low risk (e.g., health professionals or humanitarian aid workers caring for Ebola patients). Those who have unprotected, close contact with a potential source of the virus are at a significant risk of exposure.
What Ebola symptoms are present?
After exposure, symptoms might appear 2 to 21 days later and typically begin with a sudden spike in fever, followed by additional symptoms. It usually takes 8 to 10 days for symptoms to manifest. The first signs include a sore throat. Fever. Chills. Fatigue. Headache. weak muscles and discomfort. Rash is a symptom that is additional. diarrhea, vomiting, and nauseousness. Haemorrhaging (bleeding from inside and outside the body) (bleeding from inside and outside the body).
Who may come into contact with the Ebola virus?
As was already said, there is virtually little chance of exposure outside of an outbreak location. People working in emergency services or the medical field who might come in contact with bodily fluids that are infectious are at some risk. Airline crews, service and freight workers, lab workers, mortuary and death care professionals, and customs/border guard personnel are some occupations where exposure may happen outside an impacted area.
What can be done to prevent this?
The Canadian Public Health Agency has issued recommendations for preventing the Ebola virus sickness. It is crucial to take personal precautions anytime there is a chance of being exposed to the Ebola virus in order to prevent EVD. Workers who are in a setting where they may come into contact with the Ebola virus are given interim general instructions by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is listed on its website (e.g., there is known contamination by potentially infectious materials). OSHA suggests the following: Adhere to sound infection control procedures. Meet all applicable criteria for respirators and personal protective equipment (PPE). It is important to correctly put on and take off PPE. Wear gloves, wash your hands properly after taking them off, and dispose of them in receptacles with the appropriate labels. Wear eye and face protection, such as surgical masks with goggles or full-face shields, if you could be splashed, sprayed, or spattered with bodily fluids. You must also wear aprons or other apparel that is fluid-resistant. Your employer is responsible for making sure you are protected and that the proper procedures are followed if you are required to clean a surface that might be polluted. Training is given on potential Ebola exposure sources and recommended safety measures. Before visiting a location where there is a known Ebola outbreak, review the most recent travel health recommendations and take extra measures. For people who must travel to, or are in an Ebola outbreak area: Practice good hygiene. Use effective hand washing methods. Avoid touching body fluids (e.g., a person showing symptoms, clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment). Avoid contact with animals, including their blood, fluids, or raw meat. Specific guidance is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for certain occupations (e.g., healthcare, airline, emergency response, mortuary, laboratory, etc.).
What should I do if I have been to an affected area and I think I may be ill?
The Government of Canada states that you must call your appropriate public health authority immediately if: you are showing some of the above symptoms, and you or anyone in your household has recently travelled to an area where there is a confirmed Ebola virus outbreak.
Describe your symptoms and mention your recent travel over the phone before your appointment, so that health care staff can arrange to see you safely without potentially exposing themselves or others to the virus.
What is the treatment for Ebola virus disease?
Cases should be cared for in highly specialized centres to make sure there is the appropriate supportive care and strict infection controls in place. There is currently no Health Canada approved treatment for EVD. Symptoms of EVD are treated as they appear. These basic interventions include: Providing fluids intravenously (IV). Offering oxygen to maintain blood oxygen levels. Using different medication for blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and managing fever. Note that while an Ebola vaccine was approved in the U.S. in 2019, tradename “Ervebo, this vaccine does not currently have Health Canada authorization for sale in Canada.
Where can I get more information about Ebola?
Ebola virus disease - from the Government of Canada Ebola virus disease - from the World Health Organization (WHO) Ebola (Ebola virus disease) - from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)""" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
