Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : September 15, 2014 4:04 PM IST
Fiji's health ministry has ruled out any possibility of Ebola outbreak in the island-country because of its geographical location and lack of any direct global trade with West Africa, media reported Monday. A health ministry official told the Fiji Times that the risk of the disease being imported into the country is minimal. 'Fiji's geographical position as a travellers' hub and its modest health capacity in the south-west Pacific needs the country to set up early measures to mitigate and subdue the prevailing threat of public health emergencies of international and regional concern especially Ebola and polio to Fiji,' the official said.
'The ministry acknowledges that if the Ebola virus disease was to enter Fiji, it would do so via an infected person entering the country's airport, given the efficiency of aviation in moving large numbers of people across borders globally.' However, the ministry is pleading public to hold off travel plans to Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal as these are the countries worst affected from Ebola. According to the World Health Organization, Ebola cases in Africa could reach 20,000 in the next six to nine months.
Here are some tips to prevent Ebola virus
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: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
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.
Avoid crowded places: Direct contactis an easier way of transfer of virus. So, the sick should be isolated from healthy individuals to prevent spread of the disease.
Use protective gear: For healthcare workers and medical staff, it is absolutely mandatory to use protective gear including gloves and special masks and a body suit to prevent exposure to the virus. Even healthy individuals living in affected West African countries should use gloves and mask to prevent spread of the disease. Read more about 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
You may also like to read:
For more articles on diseases & conditions , visit our diseases & conditions section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And for health-related queries, visit our Questions and Answers section.
