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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : September 14, 2014 1:21 PM IST
In an attempt to find a definite cure for Ebola, Professor Peter Piot, co-discoverer of the virus, said that the epidemic in WHO is the result of a "perfect storm" involving dysfunctional health services, low trust in governments and Western medicine, denials about the virus's existence, and unhygienic burial practices.
Piot, added that the fast pace of Ebola's spread is a grim reminder that epidemics are a global threat and that the only way to get this virus under control is through a rapid response at a massive global scale, much stronger than the current efforts.
According to Piot, international assistance to the growing local efforts must include support for disease-control activities such as the provision of protective equipment, patient care, and addressing the health, nutritional, and other needs of populations in quarantine.With the World Health Organization announcing that compassionate use of experimental therapies is ethically justified, even if they have not been tested in humans, Piot commented that an exceptional crisis required an exceptional response.
The outbreak which began in December 2013 now spans five countries in West Africa and has so far killed nearly 2000 people, with the WHO predicting that 20,000 may become infected.
This study is published in Science.
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. (Read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)
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. To know more read tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from ANI
Image Source: Getty Images
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