Ebola can be transmitted through close contact with:
• Blood secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals
• Body fluids and stools of an infected person
• Contaminated needles and soiled linen used by infected patients
• Direct contact with the body a deceased person
Signs and symptoms:
Fever, headache, intense weakness, joint and muscle pains, and sore throat; this is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding; sometimes, rash, red eyes, hiccups, and bleeding from body openings may be seen in some patients.
The DOH advised suspected cases to be taken immediately to the nearest health facility for medical attention. Severe cases require intensive supportive care. At present, there is no specific treatment or vaccine yet available.
According to Ona, the most at risk to contract Ebola infection are health care workers and laboratory workers who may be exposed to secretions and specimens from infected individuals. Family members and those in close contact with those who are sick can also become infected.
Prevention measures include:
1) avoid close contact with infected patients;
2) avoid consumption of the raw meat of possible infected animals like fruit bats, monkeys or apes;
3) wear gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment when taking care of ill patients at home;
4) wash hands after visiting sick relatives in the hospital and after taking care of ill patients at home.