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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : September 12, 2014 5:24 PM IST
The first British person to contract Ebola in Africa is to return to the country where he was infected in order to help others fight the disease. William Pooley was treated in a special isolation unit at London's Royal Free Hospital, where he was given the experimental drug ZMapp, BBC reported Friday. Pooley was flown back to Britain Aug 24.
He has made a full recovery and, having been discharged from hospital, said he is to travel back within 'a few weeks'. The 29-year-old said he was 'impatient' to return and that it was likely he was now immune to the deadly illness. Pooley had been working as a volunteer nurse in Sierra Leone, which is one of the worst affected countries, when he contracted the virus. Pooley's passport was incinerated upon his evacuation from Sierra Leone.
He has urged Prime Minister David Cameron to 'take global leadership' in helping to improve hospital resources in the affected parts of Africa. Around half of the 3,000 people infected in the current African outbreak, which started in Guinea, have died.
Here are some tips to prevent Ebola infection
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.
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: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
Do not eat under-cooked meat: The virus seems to have transferred to humans through animals. Although bats are suspected as the original reservoir of the virus, it is also been found to spread to other animals. In any case, it is best to avoid eating undercooked meat. Read more about 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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