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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 28, 2014 7:23 PM IST
According to French health officials, dozens of medical personnel who took care of a French nurse while she was being treated for the Ebola virus disease have finished their observation period and are free of the virus. French Health Minister Marisol Touraine told a television channel that the 70 healthcare workers ended their quarantine last weekend and had been declared disease free. (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?)
The nurse worked for Doctors Without Borders and contracted Ebola in Liberia. After she showed symptoms of the virus in September, she tested positive, and was treated at a hospital on the outskirts of the French capital and eventually recovered. Touraine said that while the risk of further Ebola cases in France was a possibility, medical authorities have been preparing for that eventuality since the beginning of the epidemic. (Read: 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection)
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 -
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 areZaire, Bundibugyo, Tai Forest and Sudan virus. (Read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)
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)
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)
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 about more Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)
