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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : September 23, 2014 10:04 AM IST
An Ebola affected Spanish missionary who was flown back from Sierra Leone was described as 'serious' by the health authorities in Spain. Manuel Garcia Viejo, 69, arrived in Madrid Monday and was taken to the Carlos III Hospital near Madrid, Xinhua reported. He was diagnosed as being infected with the deadly virus Friday.
Viejo has spent the past 12 years as the medical director of the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Sierre Leone's Luncar city and was described as suffering from 'serious dehydration'. He is the second Spanish patient to be flown home for treatment in Spain, but in contrast to Miguel Pajares, who died in the Carlos III Hospital in August, Garcia Viejo will not be treated with the experimental ZMapp serum because stocks of ZMapp have 'run out in the whole World'.
Consequently, medical staff are evaluating 'various possibilities for alternative treatment', which the Carlos III hospital admits are experimental therapies whose efficiency has not been proven. Meanwhile Monday, a 27-year-old woman who had recently returned to Spain after spending six months in Africa and taken to hospital in Palma de Mallorca suffering from Ebola like symptoms was confirmed to be suffering from malaria.
What is Ebola virus?
The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family. Known to be a condition that is transmitted from animals to humans, this virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal. Also read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention
Here are some expert tips that can help you prevent the disease
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 more about 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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