The Ebola Virus: Symptoms and Prevention

Apparently, the Ebola disease might get around in Nigeria beyond the Liberian Man, Patrick Sawyer, who was recorded to be the first case of the deadly virus in Lagos.

Records have shown that Ebola is capable of killing 90% of its victims. Therefore, it is advisable to get informed and as well make prevention a priority, as they say it’s better than cure. Ebola is yet to be curable, which makes prevention the only solution available at the moment.
 
The Ebola virus is named after the Ebola River in Zaire (now Democratic
Republic of the Congo), when the first outbreaks occurred in Sudan (now South Sudan) in 1976.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is one of the most virulent diseases known to humankind and one of the most painful deaths possible.
 
It is a killer disease that is transmitted through body secretion such as sweat, blood, saliva, mucus, breast secretion, tears, urine, and sexual transmission with an infected person. 

It can reproduce in 8 hours and when it does, millions of new viruses come out. Infected person can die in 3-30 days or even longer. It is only stopped when it has no more hosts to feed on. 

The period between infection with the Ebola virus and the start of symptoms is called the Ebola incubation period, which can be as short as 2 days or as long as 21 days.

Look out for the following symptoms: 

Fever, sore throat, headaches, weakness, joint and muscle pain, chest pain & bleeding from skin. 

In pregnant women, abortion (miscarriage) and heavy vaginal bleeding are common Ebola symptoms.
 
Death usually occurs during the second week of Ebola symptoms, and its usually due to massive blood loss.

Prevention is the KEY word! 

Wash your hands often with soap and water, sanitizer is a good alternative. 

Avoid contact with people with suspicious signs and places of outbreak. 

Watch out for the warning signs which mimics malaria symptoms. 

As always, wash your fruits and vegetables before cooking.

Stay updated with necessary information to avoiding being infected.

Do not hold USEFUL information to yourself, report any SUSPICIOUS case to the nearest health care centre.