In light of the new outbreak of EVD in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - the ninth outbreak of Ebola virus disease over the last four decades in the country - declared on 8 May 2018 by the Ministry of Health (MoH), it is important that we are reminded of the need to be on alert and to maintain a good level of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene.
Symptoms of Ebola virus disease
The incubation period of EVD is 2 to 21 days.
The first symptoms are the sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding (e.g. oozing from the gums, blood in the stools).
Treatment and vaccines
Supportive care-rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids- and treatment of specific symptoms improves survival. >There is as yet no proven treatment available for EVD. However, a range of potential treatments including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently being evaluated.
Reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission
>Animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. Animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission
Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. >Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in the hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.
Reducing the risk of possible sexual transmission
WHO recommends that male survivors of Ebola virus disease practice safe sex and hygiene for 12 months from onset of symptoms or until their semen tests negative twice for Ebola virus. Contact with body fluids should be avoided and washing with soap and water is recommended.
Outbreak containment measures
Prompt and safe burial of the dead, identifying people who may have been in contact with someone infected with >Ebola and monitoring their health for 21 days, separating the healthy from the sick to prevent further spread, and good hygiene and maintenance of a clean environment.
Other information
People remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.
The appropriate authorities must be informed immediately about any suspected case of EDV.
Information source: http://www.who.int
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