Latest Ebola News: Mexican researcher may have found a way to help detect Ebola

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 9, 2014 8:37 pm

According to Juan Pablo Agusil Antonoff, a specialist in biomedical engineering at the Ibero-American University in Mexico, Ebola can be quickly detected using microfluidics, the study of very tiny volumes of liquids. Agusil Antonoff, who is also pursuing a doctorate in nanotechnology in Spain, spoke on microfluidics at a conference in the university Wednesday. (Read: Facts about ZMapp you should know) Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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Microfluidics is a system which allows the swift detection of a parasite, bacteria or virus inside an organism from samples of body fluids, such as blood, saliva or urine, by studying the production of antibodies, he explained. ‘Microfluidics is so sensitive that even minimum amounts of antibodies inside a person can be discovered,’ Agusil Antonoff added. (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?) Also Read - Ebola death toll rises to 55 in DR Congo

He stressed that this very sensitivity enables it to detect any disease at the earliest, allowing the immediate treatment and isolation of the infected person. Another benefit, according to Antonoff, is that it does away with the need for visits to hospitals and clinics as tests can now be done at home as in the case of pregnancy tests and glucometer readings. (Read: Facts about Japanese Ebola drug Favipiravir)

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: 9 warning symptoms of Ebola that you should know)

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. (Read about more Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ))

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : October 9, 2014 8:37 pm

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