Ebola Virus and Its Preventions

Ebola is a deadly virus for which scientists are still trying desperately to find a cure.

Ebola is transmitted by coming in contact with the blood of an infected person. No records have been found of transmission through air. The carriers of this virus are believed to be fruit bats, but the virus does not affect them at all. Humans get infected when they come in direct contact with bats or dead animals infected by them. Take the following precautions in order to protect yourself from the virus.

1. Avoid Travel To Infected Areas

Avoid travelling to Africa unless it is a matter of life and death. Check the advisories issued by various countries regarding travel in Ebola infected regions.

2. Take Care of Hygiene

If you happen to be in the infected region, be particular about washing your hands frequently. This is the strongest preventive measure that you can take in order to protect yourself from the infection. A simple soap and water or any rub that has alcohol in it can be used.

3. Abstain From Bush Meat

When in a developing country, avoid eating and buying wild animals altogether. Even non human primates should not be eaten or procured. Avoid produce from the local markets.

4. Avoid Direct Contact With an Infected Person

Caregivers and other medical professionals should avoid direct contact with the body tissues and fluids of an infected person. Especially avoid touching semen, blood and vaginal secretions and saliva. As the disease progresses, it becomes more and more infectious.

5. Be Particular About Infection Control Processes

All health care personnel should wear the protective gear at all times. Things like gloves, masks, eye shields should be worn at all times. The people who are infected should be kept in isolation. The safe disposal of medical equipments is equally important to ensure that the infection does not spread.