In lieu of the recent Ebola Outbreak, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss what we can do to avoid Ebola contamination. First, what is Ebola? Ebola is a rare but deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside of the body. The virus damages the immune system and the organs causing levels of blood-clotting cells to drop; ultimately leading to uncontrollable bleeding.
Also known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever or the Ebola Virus, those infected have a 90% mortality rate. Thomas Eric Duncan returned to the U.S. from Liberia on September 20, 2014. This is the first documented case of Ebola here in the United States. Ebola is very serious and you and everyone in your family needs to know how to avoid contamination.
Ebola Virus Particles. (CC)
What You Need to Know to Avoid Ebola Contamination
How is Ebola Spread
Ebola is spread by skin contact (a simple handshake) or contact with bodily fluids (needles, bedding, clothing) of infected persons. Often times those who care for those suffering from the virus end up contracting it themselves. Similarly, people who bury those who have died from the disease contract the disease as well.
Ebola cannot be spread through air, water, or food. A person who has Ebola without displaying symptoms cannot spread the disease however, proper precautions should be taken to avoid contracting the virus.
This map shows where cases of Ebola have been reported. Source
Symptoms of Ebola
- High fever
- Headache
- Nassau
- Joint and muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
What You Can Do to Avoid Contracting Ebola
The best way to prevent Ebola is to avoid traveling to areas where the virus has been found. The CDC has issued a Level 3 travel notice for United States Citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Guniea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Level 2 notices have been raised for travelers going to Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travel to Africa is not advised at this time because the virus could spread to other countries.
- The Center for Disease Control encourages you to wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Remember to review proper hand-washing techniques.
- Do not touch someone who has or may be infected in with the virus. Urine, vomit, blood, nasal mucus, saliva, and even tears can spread Ebola.
- Insist that doctors, nurses, and food preparers wash their hands before touching you or your food.
- Individuals who work in health care centers are advised to wear masks, gloves, and goggles whenever they come in contact with individuals who have Ebola.
- Avoid eating wild bush-meat like bats, monkeys, chimpanzees, etc. Researchers believe that the virus may have spread to humans through the consumption of primates. Avoid eating/handling wild game until precautions have been raised.
- Do not visit people who have been infected with the virus.
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More Tips on Sanitation:
- 10 Things You Must Wash Your Hands After Touching
- The Art & Science of Washing Your Hands
- Healthy Hands and Hand Washing – Infographic
- Automatic Faucets Are Covering Your Hands in Germs
About the Author
Cheryl Khan is a designer and writer at Tradewinds Imports.com, an online specialty site dedicated to retailing fine bathroom furnishings. She has extensive knowledge about all the finer details that go into planning the perfect bath renovation project and is an expert on all things bathroom! Send her your bathroom Q’s on twitter @SuperInteriors!
