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Ebola in India: Harsh Vardhan says India is ready to handle the disease

Ebola in India: Harsh Vardhan says India is ready to handle the disease

Written by Pavitra Sampath |Published : October 18, 2014 11:11 AM IST

The world is in a tizzy over the spread of Ebola, but the Indian government seems confident that they will be able to handle the disease, if it ever struck the country. In a statement they said that there is 'nothing to panic' and 'all systems are in place' to deal with any outbreak of the deadly disease in the country.

Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth said passengers arriving from affected countries in all 19 states having airports and sea ports are being screened. Surveillance has been 'stepped up' at sea ports, which are another transit point, he said. 'There is really nothing to panic. We have all arrangements which are working,' he told NDTV. Seth had chaired a high-level meeting yesterday to review preparedness due to emerging global crisis on Ebola.

India has so far not reported any case of the disease while it has screened over 22,150 passengers and more than 450 of them were quarantined for having suspect symptoms. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the country is 'totally prepared' and there is no cause for 'any panic or alarm or worry'.

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Seth said personnel protection equipment, which is meant to protect health workers as many of them globally contracted the lethal virus after coming in contact with Ebola victims, are being sent to states. The Centre is also holding three-day training programme for doctors and auxiliary staff from states from October 19 to train them on dealing with the disease, he said.

Experts say Ebola is transmitted by close contact with the bodily fluids of a person who is showing symptoms of infection such as fever, aches, vomiting and diarrhoea, or who has recently died of the hemorrhagic virus. The world's largest outbreak of Ebola has killed more than 4,000 people out of over 8,000 infected this year.

Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The Ebola virus outbreak has threatened West Africa with the death toll increasing at an alarming rate every day. The lack of proper awareness about the Ebola infection adds to the deadly potential of the virus, increasing the risk of being infected with Ebola. Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) with answers about the deadly Ebola disease -

1. How is the Ebola virus disease caused?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a contagious disease caused by infection with one of the four strains of the Ebola virus. The Ebola virus belongs to the family of Filoviridae and the viral strains with potential for infection in humans are Zaire, Bundibugyo, Tai Forest and Sudan virus. (Read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)

2. How does it spread?

The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the body fluids (semen, sweat, saliva and blood), infected objects (needles) and close skin contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through close contact with infected animals (handling the meat) and consumption of uncooked meat. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)

3. What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Ebola virus usually appear between 2 to 21 days after being infected with the virus. The early symptoms include high fever (greater than 38.6 C), headache, drop in blood pressure and stomach pain. Whereas late signs of Ebola infections which indicate medical emergency are sore throat, jaundice, skin rashes, bleeding and loss of appetite. (Read: 9 warning symptoms of Ebola that you should know)

4. Who is at highest risk of getting the disease?

Any individuals who are in close contact with the person infected with the Ebola virus are at high risk of getting the disease. Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses and ward boys) who are taking care of the patients as well as family members and friends who are in close contact with the infected person are at higher risk of acquiring the infection. To know more read about Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)

With inputs from PTI

Image source: Getty Images


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