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For the fight against Ebola virus, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg declared on his social networking site that he and his wife, Priscilla, have donated $25 million to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
'We need to get Ebola under control in the near term so that it doesn't spread further and become a long term global health crisis that we end up fighting for decades at large scale, like HIV or polio,' he said in a Facebook post Tuesday.
'We believe our grant is the quickest way to empower the CDC and the experts in this field to prevent this outcome,' Zuckerberg added.
The founder of the popular social networking site believes that making a donation of this kind is the "quickest way to empower the CDC and the experts in this field to prevent this outcome".
Since the Ebola epidemic broke out last March, more than 4,000 people, most of them in West Africa, have died from the disease, according to the World Health Organisation.Zuckerberg said that Ebola so far has infected more than 8,400 people and is spreading rapidly with projections being that one million people or more will become infected in the coming months if they do not receive treatment.
He emphasised that donations like his directly help the "heroes" who are on the 'front line' working to build health centres, train local personnel and identify Ebola cases.He said he and his wife hoped that their donation would save lives and keep the epidemic under control.
Tips to prevent Ebola
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 more...
With inputs from IANS
Image source: Getty Images
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