Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : September 17, 2014 10:52 AM IST
US President Barack Obama warned Tuesday that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is 'spiralling out of control,' at the meeting at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Not only the outbreak it a potential threat to global security, but it could also infect hundreds and thousands of people, if not controlled in time. 'It would have a profound political and economic and security implications for all of us,' Obama said. He also announced his plans to send 3,000 troops to fight Ebola in West Africa and help contain the deadly virus. The troops would be providing logistical and engineering support to health care professionals rather than offering direct patient care, siad White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
The new plan also includes sending more portable hospitals, doctors and medical supplies, as well as training health workers in the affected countries, according to sources close to the White House cited in the Wall Street Journal. The US military has already sent eight doctors and health experts to West Africa and plans to send a portable hospital to Liberia, while the CDC has sent more than 100 professionals to the region. The WHO said last week that between 500 and 600 foreign medical professionals are needed in the affected countries and at least 10 treatment centres.
Meanwhile the UN's Ebola coordinator addressed Ebola outbreak as an unparalleled crisis in the modern times and made an announcement that more than a billion dollars would be needed to contain the West Africa Ebola outbreak that has shown a tenfold increase in the past month.
Here are some tips to prevent Ebola virus
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: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
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.
Avoid crowded places: Direct contactis an easier way of transfer of virus. So, the sick should be isolated from healthy individuals to prevent spread of the disease.
Use protective gear: For healthcare workers and medical staff, it is absolutely mandatory to use protective gear including gloves and special masks and a body suit to prevent exposure to the virus. Even healthy individuals living in affected West African countries should use gloves and mask to prevent spread of the disease. Read more about 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection.
Read: Why an airborne Ebola virus is very, very dangerous
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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