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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 20, 2014 1:58 PM IST
Kerala has now strengthened screening measures at airports, examining over 450 passengers who landed from African countries. No one has yet been tested positive for Ebola in the state. Airports will be soon extending the screening to sea ports also in order to check possible threat of its spread in the state, State Health Secretary K Elangovan said. 'No Ebola positive case has been reported so far in the state. We have already taken strict measures to monitor the situation and stepped up screening at the airports. We are now mulling extending similar checks at seaports also,' he told PTI. (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?)
Of the total 469 persons screened, blood samples of two, who had fever, were collected and sent for analysis which tested negative, he said. 'If any suspected case comes across during screening, we will keep them on observation. Generally, the observation will be extended from two to 21 days. Junior health inspectors are assigned to keep frequent contacts with them and continuously monitor their health during the period of observation,' he said. (Read: What is the Ebola virus disease survival rate?)
A meeting of health officials in the state will be held here tomorrow which will discuss further measures to be taken in this regard, the official added. A decision of imparting training to health officials of all states on ways and means to detect and prevent Ebola was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth at Delhi on October 16. (Read: What is the Ebola virus disease survival rate?)
Here are 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection
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. Read more about tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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