Ebola virus disease (a zoonotic disease threatening the human race)

The whole world are at their heel waiting for the outcome of the control of the recent outbreak of Ebola virus disease. HIV & AIDS had dominated the campaign followed by Bird Flu virus but now the worst and merciless disease has surfaced with a threat to wipe out the human race at a geometric speed. Although the detection of this virus and the current measures being taken to control the outbreak seem to yield result but it does not exclude the level of threat brought by this virus. 50-90% mortality of infected humans is terrible news. It’s like watching some American movies like ‘resident evil’ and some other block buster movies with similar virus spread.  I only wish that the projections on the spread in these movies won’t be the case for ebola virus. Nigerians are already being sensitized about the virus aggressively because Nigeria remains the most populous black nation with about 170million people.

What is this ebola virus disease (EVD)?

According to WHO media center: “EVD is a severe acute viral illness often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes.”

How did Ebola virus get to humans?

Again it was believed to have transmitted from infected wild animals like monkeys, gorillas etc and non-primates animals in the wild to humans and continues from human to human which is the alarming side of the outbreak.

Can Ebola Virus disease be treated?

No treatment or vaccine is yet available.

What are the chances for survival?

It was also reported that 9 out of 10 persons infected with EVD died from the disease (ie 90% mortality).

How do you protect yourself from the disease?

·         Avoid close contact with a sick person suspected to be infected with the virus because the virus is transmitted through blood and body fluids.

·         Wear the recommended protective clothing if you are a health worker before you come in contact with an infected sick person.

·         Report any suspected death or ill person with the signs of ebola virus disease to the nearest health center or hospital.

·         Avoid contact with wild monkeys and fruit bats and the consumption of their raw meat. Practice strict hygiene after handling animals by washing your hands and wearing gloves before handling wild animals.

The fight against this virus is ongoing let us support the fight and eliminate this virus before it eliminates us and our children. Please don’t go killing or stoning animals or wild animals as a revenge because it’s not their fault instead let’s fight the virus not the animals. Thank you.