How to prevent Ebola infection

For a deadly virus like Ebola, negligence is a golden opportunity to attack healthy individuals and cause Ebola virus disease (EVD). Once an outbreak has been declared, only effective preventive and precautionary measures will help prevent further spread of infection. Here are some expert tips that can help you prevent the disease.

Educate yourself about Ebola: Knowing the symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures is the first step to prevent the spread of the disease. This information is especially important for those who are travelling to and from affected areas in West Africa.   

Maintain sanitary conditions: Basic hygiene plays a very important role in preventing Ebola. The exact way by which the virus enters the body is still debatable but skin and eyes are suggested routes for viral entry. However, food and water may also serve as source of entry. So, simple acts like washing hands before eating and disinfecting surfaces and covering the mouth can help prevent the spread of the virus, especially in areas surrounding the areas of outbreak. 

Avoid contact with blood and body fluids:  Ebola virus spreads through all body fluids including blood, semen, saliva, sweat, urine, fecal matter and vomit of infected individuals. Healthcare workers and medical staff who are more likely to come in contact with infected body fluids, infected needles and first aid, should handle them with protective gear.

Treat injuries: Open wounds and injuries can give the virus an opportunity to enter the body. Therefore, minor cuts and bleeding injuries should be kept covered and be treated at once.

Avoid crowded places: Direct contact is an easier way of transfer of virus. So, the sick should be isolated from healthy individuals to prevent spread of the disease. 

Use protective gear: For healthcare workers and medical staff, it is absolutely mandatory to use protective gear including gloves and special masks and a body suit to prevent exposure to the virus. Even healthy individuals living in affected West African countries should use gloves and mask to prevent spread of the disease.

Do not eat under-cooked meat: The virus seems to have transferred to humans through animals. Although bats are suspected as the original reservoir of the virus, it is also been found to spread to other animals. In any case, it is best to avoid eating undercooked meat. 

Avoid unnecessary travel: According to Dr Ratan Kumar Vaish, senior consultant, department of medicine, Rockland Group of Hospitals, Delhi-NCR the best way is to avoid non-essential travelling to afflicted areas.