Latest Ebola News: Ebola screening to start in Singapore

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 14, 2014 6:07 pm

The health ministry in Singapore has decided to introduce screening measures at airports and checkpoints to guard against the deadly Ebola virus. Stricter screening measures will be put in place at Changi Airport, land and sea checkpoints, and Seletar Airport from Oct 15, Channel News Asia reported citing a statement issued by the ministry. (Read: What is the Ebola virus disease survival rate?) Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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The move is in response to the spread of Ebola cases to Spain and the US, following an outbreak of the epidemic in West Africa. These latest cases ‘show that an imported case and the potential for community exposure from imported cases cannot be ruled out’, stated a ministry release. The ministry has also advised people of the city state to consider postponing travel to countries affected by Ebola and to take precautionary measures if they are travelling in affected countries. (Read: Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)) Also Read - Ebola death toll rises to 55 in DR Congo

How the Ebola virus spreads in humans?

The recent Ebola outbreak has been considered as an international emergency by the WHO due to the havoc it has created worldwide. The virus has claimed many innocent lives and is posing to be the toughest challenge in the world of medicine and science till date, with no proven cure in place or a vaccination to prevent the outspread of the epidemic. However, recent studies have shown some success in treating the virus with experimental drugs. While no one yet knows the exact way how this notorious virus got into the human body, thereby attacking the immune system and claiming lives, here are ways in which it can spread across the human race.

It spreads through infected body fluids: Ebola spreads from one infected person to the other through direct contact of the skin and other bodily fluids. The virus is present in the body fluids of an infected person which includes blood, semen, sweat, urine, saliva, feaces, vomit, etc. If a healthy person comes in contact with the infected body fluids that enters his system through open wounds, blood transfusions or through the eyes, ears, mouth, nostrils, genital area, it can infect an individual within a span of two to 21 days depending on the severity of the viral attack. Having unsafe sex with an infected person also can lead to the viral infection.

It can spread by using infected needles and other contaminated objects: This is obvious as infected needles and other contaminated objects might have remnants of infected body fluids. If this gets into the system of a healthy individual, it can spread the deadly disease rapidly. Read more about How the Ebola virus spreads in humans

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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Published : October 14, 2014 6:07 pm

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