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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 18, 2014 1:54 PM IST
The Public Health England announced that the British health authorities are planning to expand screening of passengers arriving from Ebola-affected countries to the Manchester and Birmingham airports. Heathrow Airport Tuesday launched the screening, which includes checking passengers' temperature, requiring them to complete a questionnaire on their current health and recent travel history. Passengers are also required to provide contact details. Any passenger who reports recent exposure to people, who may have contracted Ebola, who shows similar symptoms, or who has a high temperature will undergo a clinical assessment and, if necessary, will be transferred to hospital. (Read: After killing thousands, Ebola said to be crippling the minds of West African children)
A group of 91 British army medics were dispatched to Sierra Leone Thursday to build a hospital and to fight against the outbreak work with 40 British soldiers present out there. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) say that a total of 9,216 confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of Ebola virus disease have been reported in seven affected countries - Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain and the US. There has been a total of 4,555 deaths till date. (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?)
8 tips 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. (Read: Has the Ebola virus really come to India?)
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. (Read: Ebola Facts: Top 7 myths busted)
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: 5 reasons the ebola virus should never come to India)
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. Read about more tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from IANS
Image Source: Getty Images
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