Latest Ebola News: French woman suspected of Ebola virus

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Published: October 11, 2014 11:01 am

Tags: France In the news Latest Ebola News

In view of latest Ebola cases, a French woman is suspected of contracting the Ebola virus and has been hospitalized. The patient, who returned from Liberia, showed Ebola-like symptoms and was being confined to an isolated ward at Bichat Hospital in Paris. Recently, a building at Cergy-Pontoise in Paris was sealed after two African-origin men showed Ebola symptoms but were confirmed negative after the tests were performed. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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The French woman worked as a nurse with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Liberia and recently returned home after being infected with the deadly Ebola virus. The pateint is hospitalized in Begin Military Hospital near Paris and is currently on ‘experimental treatment’. As per the recent statistical report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ebola outbreak has killed more than 3,865 people in West Africa and infected around 7,400 individuals (including healthcare workers) since its outburst in March this year. Also Read - Ebola death toll rises to 55 in DR Congo

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 more Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : October 11, 2014 11:01 am

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