Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 17, 2014 7:02 PM IST
According to French media reports, initial tests of a nurse suspected of being infected with the deadly Ebola virus turned negative. The woman was admitted to a Paris hospital in France after she suffered from high fever. Xinhua also reported that a second analysis of blood samples is currently on the cards, and the test results are expected to be out later in the day. (Read: French woman suspected of Ebola virus)
As per the media reports, the woman contracted the Ebola virus while treating a volunteer working with Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF), who in turn caught the Ebola virus in Liberia. Although the woman was the first known case of the French national being infected with the Ebola virus, she showed signs of recovery after receiving experimental treatment at Begin hospital in Paris. In the wake of this incident, Charles de Gaulle airport located in Paris will initiate screening passengers for the deadly Ebola virus. As of now, the Ebola virus has claimed nearly 5,000 people in West Africa. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
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 -
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. 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. To know more read about Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)
With inputs from IANS
Image Source: Getty Images
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