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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 13, 2014 4:58 PM IST
An Australian nurse isolated in a hospital in Cairns in northeastern Australia for exhibiting symptoms of the Ebola virus disease was discharged on Monday after testing negative for the Ebola virus in a second test, local media said. A hospital spokesperson said Sue Ellen Kovack, 56, was discharged early on Monday, although she will be in quarantine in her home for the next eight days, Australian broadcaster ABC reported. (Read: How the Ebola virus spreads in humans)
Kovack was hospitalised last Thursday with high fever, days after she returned from Sierra Leona where she had been working as a Red Cross nurse with Ebola patients for a month. The first blood test that she underwent the same day she was admitted was negative but she remained hospitalised as a precautionary measure. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
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.
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 more about Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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