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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 29, 2014 3:37 PM IST
China is vulnerable to Ebola outbreak as Chinese nationals working in Africa may bring the deadly disease to the country, one of the scientists who discovered the virus has warned. Professor Peter Piot also said Ebola would claim thousands more lives in the months ahead. 'In Africa, there are many Chinese working there. So that could be a risk for China in general, and I assume that one day [an outbreak of Ebola in China] will happen,' Piot, who is in Hong Kong for a two-day symposium was quoted by the South China Morning Post today.
Infection control measures at China's hospitals were not always 'up to standard', which put public health at great risk, Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said. China also is home of thousands of Africans traders who are stationed in Guangzhou city. Piot stressed the importance of training people to spot at-risk air passengers before they boarded. And he said voluntary surveillance measures at Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong were not effective enough. (Read: What is the Ebola virus disease survival rate?)
'Widespread screening [of arrivals] in airports is not that effective, to be honest ? the most cost-effective method is to screen people before they take the plane.?' A patient feared to have Ebola in Hong Kong tested negative in a preliminary test yesterday. Piot said the best way to bring Ebola under control was the use of 'safe and cheap' blood tests that took as little as 10 minutes. Ebola is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, and Piot said there was no scientific evidence that the virus would become airborne. (Read: Quarantine for Ebola what is it?)
The World Health Organisation has warned there could be 10,000 new cases a week by December if governments worldwide do not act. It said the earliest a vaccine could be made available was the middle of next year. Piot said that three pharmaceutical firms were working on vaccines, and the results of an early trial of one drug may be available by February. He hoped that confidence could be built among people in Ebola-stricken countries to receive the vaccines. China which has committed over USD 80 million has sent a new batch of protective gear and equipment to seven African countries. (Read: Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ))
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.
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 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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