Latest Ebola News: Helicopter lands on cruise ship ferrying suspected Ebola patient to collect blood samples

By: Pavitra Sampath | | Updated: October 19, 2014 1:01 pm

A helicopter is said to have landed on the cruise ship that was carrying a passenger thought to have handled blood samples from Thomas Eric Duncan. The helicopter is said to have landed in order to collect blood samples that will be tested for the Ebola virus. Also Read - 10th Ebola outbreak in Congo over as 11th epidemic spreads its tentacles

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Texas officials said they had requested blood samples from the patient who were quarantined, but according to reports the patient says she is ‘feeling absolutely fine’. Although the two nurses who treated Duncan have contracted the disease, the employee on board the ship was not in direct contact with the patient. Even so, Mexican officials would not grant the ship clearance to make a scheduled stop at Cozumel on Friday afternoon. Also Read - 5 preventive measures for Ebola virus disease

8 tips to prevent Ebola infection

For a deadly virus like Ebola, negligence is a golden opportunity to attack healthy individuals and cause Ebola virus disease (EVD). Once an outbreak has been declared, only effective preventive and precautionary measures will help prevent further spread of infection. Here are some expert tips that can help you prevent the disease.

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: Has the Ebola virus really come to India?)

Maintain sanitary conditions: Basic hygiene plays a very important role in preventing Ebola. The exact way by which the virus enters the body is still debatable but skin and eyes are suggested routes for viral entry. However, food and water may also serve as source of entry. So, simple acts like washing hands before eating and disinfecting surfaces and covering the mouth can help prevent the spread of the virus, especially in areas surrounding the areas of outbreak. (Read: Ebola Facts: Top 7 myths busted)

Avoid contact with blood and body fluids: Ebola virus spreads through all body fluids including blood, semen, saliva, sweat, urine, fecal matter and vomit of infected individuals. Healthcare workers and medical staff who are more likely to come in contact with infected body fluids, infected needles and first aid, should handle them with protective gear. (Read: 5 reasons the ebola virus should never come to India)

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. Read about more tips to prevent Ebola infection

With inputs from ANI

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : October 19, 2014 12:57 pm | Updated:October 19, 2014 1:01 pm

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