Latest Ebola News: EU asks Spain for an explanation about the Ebola case

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 8, 2014 8:24 pm

The EU said today it has asked Spain to explain how a nurse treating Ebola patients in Madrid contracted the deadly disease, the first known case of transmission outside Africa. The European Commission ‘sent a letter yesterday to the Spanish health minister to obtain some clarification’ of how this had happened, despite all the precautions taken, a spokesman said. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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‘There is obviously a problem somewhere,’ Commission spokesman Frederic Vincent said, at a time when all European Union member states are supposed to have taken measures to prevent an Ebola outbreak. Tests confirmed that the nurse had been infected with the deadly virus that has killed more than 3,400 people in west Africa. Spanish health officials are now trying to find out whom she may have come into contact with and are monitoring 30 people — including her co-workers and husband — closely for symptoms of the deadly disease. Also Read - Ebola death toll rises to 55 in DR Congo

The woman was part of a medical team at Madrid’s La Paz-Carlos III hospital that treated two elderly Spanish missionaries who died of Ebola shortly after they were repatriated from Africa. Vincent said that despite the case, the Commission was not unduly concerned and believed that the spread of the virus in Europe ‘remains highly unlikely.’ The Commission, however, hopes that Spain will provide details by Wednesday so that they can be discussed by European Union officials.

The case ‘may even in some way serve as a lesson for other member states,’ Vincent said, noting that the Madrid hospital involved had been designated as a special Ebola treatment centre. The nurse, who is married without children, is now being treated in isolation at a hospital in Alcorcon, a southern Madrid suburb, where she is said to be in a stable condition although still running a fever. Europe and the United States have been touched by the disease but until now all the cases stemmed from people who caught the virus in west Africa and who then returned home.

Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The Ebola virus outbreak has threatened West Africa with the death toll increasing at an alarming rate every day. The lack of proper awareness about the Ebola infection adds to the deadly potential of the virus, increasing the risk of being infected with Ebola. 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. (Read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)

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:10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Ebola virus usually appear between 2 to 21 days after being infected with the virus. The early symptoms include high fever (greater than 38.6 C), headache, drop in blood pressure and stomach pain. Whereas late signs of Ebola infections which indicate medical emergency are sore throat, jaundice, skin rashes, bleeding and loss of appetite. (Read: 9 warning symptoms of Ebola that you should know)

Who is at highest risk of getting the disease?

Any individuals who are in close contact with the person infected with the Ebola virus are at high risk of getting the disease. Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses and ward boys) who are taking care of the patients as well as family members and friends who are in close contact with the infected person are at higher risk of acquiring the infection. (Read more Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ))

With inputs from PTI

Photo source: Getty images

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Published : October 8, 2014 8:24 pm

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