Ebola Virus Disease and Its Prevention

The current outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa has been frightening for most. So far, the current death toll is at 660 and another 1,093 people are infected according to the World Health Organization. Because of its extent, health experts believe that this is the biggest Ebola outbreak that has happened since its discovery in 1976. The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) currently has no cure, no vaccines and no treatments! Some experimental drugs have been rolled out in the current crisis and a small percentage of success has been recorded. Focus has to be given mostly on its prevention rather than the cure at this critical moment.

Please keep the following pointers in mind to help prevent the spread of the Ebola virus.

• Avoid traveling to areas with known outbreaks of the Ebola virus. Check for any current epidemics through the news or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.

• Practice basic hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently using soap and water. When water is not available, use hand rubs with at least 60% alcohol.

• Do not consume bush meat.

• Avoid contact with infected people. The Ebola virus is spread through direct contact with an infected person’s blood, secretions, organs and other bodily fluids, according to the WHO.

• Observe infection control procedures, particularly for healthcare workers. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves, long sleeved gowns, masks and eye shields.

• Keep infected people isolated from other people.

• Carefully disinfect or dispose needles and other instruments. Do not reuse injection needles and syringes.

• Do not handle remains of Ebola victims. Bodies of people who died from Ebola are still contagious. Only trained people with appropriate safety equipment should handle their remains.