Ebola Virus Outbreak in the US 2014 News Update: Facts, Symptoms & Prevention Tips
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Texas Health Department, has confirmed the first case of Ebola virus in the United States.
In its press release, the CDC revealed that the diagnosis was made through laboratory tests on an individual who traveled to Dallas, Texas from Liberia. Without symptoms during departure from West Africa, the patient, being treated at a Dallas hospital since Sept. 28, only began to felt ill Sept. 24--four days after arriving in the United States.
News 92 FM said that according to CDC director Tom Frieden, the possibility of an Ebola virus outbreak on American soil is considered very low. However, with the first diagnosis confirming the virus has indeed come to the United States, comes concerns regarding transmission and spread.
Speaking on the status of possible infection of others, Frieden said as quoted by NBC News: "At this point there is zero risk of transmission on the flight. He was checked for fever before getting on the flight. There is no reason to think that anyone who was on the flight he was on is at any risk."
Ebola is a rare but lethal virus that can cause viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) in humans and other primates. As the virus spreads throughout the body it can cause internal and external bleeding as well as damage to one's immune system and organs.
The virus is extremely infectious but not extremely contagious, noted CNN. It isn't as common as the everyday viruses like the colds or measles. It spreads through skin or bodily fluid contact and not through the air where the virus particles are airborne.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms include weakness, high-grade fever, severe aches, aches and pains and chills. Other symptoms reported as the disease progresses include rashes, hemorrhaging, lack of appetite, nausea, red eyes, difficulty breathing or swallowing and weight loss. The symptoms usually appear 8-10 days after exposure, the incubation period spans between two to 21 days.
Prevention
The best way to prevent infection is to practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and if this is not available, use at least 60 per cent alcohol as an alternative, said News 92 FM.
During this time, it is also best to avoid traveling to areas with known infections or outbreaks. In terms of intake, know where you food is being sourced from. As a general rule, maintain your distance and when in contact with someone suspected or diagnosed to be infected, wear protective clothing and dispose/ sterilize medical equipment.
Presently, there is no known cure or known vaccine against Ebola.
For additional information, visit this site to learn more about travel alerts, interim guidance to authorities as well as quarantine and isolation issues.