07 October 2014
This post is on Healthwise
Geneva (dpa) - The case of a Spanish nurse being diagnosed with Ebola after caring for a patient in Madrid - the first incidence of transmission in Europe - has raised concerns about how infectious the virus is, how easy it is to contract it and what precautionary measures should be taken.
The following facts on transmission and prevention are based on information from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Question: Who is infectious?
Answer: Human beings who have contracted the Ebola virus are infectious as soon as they show the first symptoms, which are fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This means they cannot pass on the disease during the incubation period, which lasts between two and 21 days.
Q: What body fluids carry the virus?
A: Blood, faeces and vomit from patients are the most-infectious substances. In addition, the virus has been found in breast milk, urine and semen. In patients in the later stage of the disease, the virus was also detected in saliva. The virus stays in semen for at least 70 days after recovery.
Q: How is the virus transmitted from person to person?
A: The virus enters the body through mucous membrane, for example the mouth and eyes. Wounds and broken skin are also entry points. In addition to direct contact with body fluids, people may also get infected through contact with contaminated objects such as clothing.
Q: Is the virus airborne?
A: No, infections through airborne clouds of droplets have not been observed in this and previous outbreaks, WHO says. However, the UN health agency says that a patient could theoretically pass on Ebola through bigger drops over a short distance if he has an additional health condition, or if he vomits violently.
Q: How do I protect myself while travelling?
A: WHO says that there is a low risk of contracting Ebola while travelling to and from the affected countries in West Africa. However, passengers should not have physical contact with anyone who displays early signs of the disease, or later-stage symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and bleeding from the gums. Travellers should also regularly disinfect their hands with alcohol and wash them with soap if they get dirty.
Q: What key protection measures should health workers take?
A: Doctors, nurses and other health staff must clean their hands before and after caring for a patient, after touching surfaces that may be contaminated, and after removing the protective gear that they are required to wear. In addition, they must take care to dispose contaminated waste and medical equipment safely.
Q: What protective gear should they wear?
A: Protective clothing consists of: Gloves, a disposable and liquid-proof gown; mouth mask; eye protection; head cover; shoe covers or rubber boots. Health workers who are carrying patients should also wear a rubber apron. Putting on and taking off such gear should always be supervised by a trained colleague.
http://www.dpa-international.com/news/international/q-amp-atransmission-of-ebola-a-39827554.html
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