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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 28, 2014 10:59 AM IST
A 5-year-old boy who recently arrived in the US from West Africa and was admitted to a New York hospital with a fever, suspected of Ebola. The boy tested negative for the Ebola virus, authorities said Monday. The child returned to New York Saturday after a trip with his family to Guinea, one of the three countries hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak that has killed nearly 5,000 people since March. (Read: 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection)
Paramedics in protective gear took the boy to Bellevue Hospital, the same facility where a doctor who contracted Ebola while working in Guinea as a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders is undergoing treatment in an isolation unit. Doctors at Bellevue said the youngster had a temperature of 39.4 C (102.9 F).
The negative result in the first test to be performed on the boy was confirmed in a communique by the New York City Health Department. Nevertheless, with an eye toward guaranteeing that the child is not infected, other tests will be performed on him in the coming days. (Read: Ebola virus is mutating rapidly say scientists)
Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) with answers about the deadly Ebola disease -
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.
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 more about Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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