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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 12, 2014 12:23 PM IST
The Spanish nursing assistant infected with the Ebola virus was conscious Saturday and able to speak with the medical team caring for her at Carlos III Hospital in Madrid, medical sources said. The team attending Teresa Romero, 44, is composed of 10 people, including three doctors, Spanish news agency Efe reported citing sources. Romero has been hospitalised since Monday when her infection from the Ebola virus was confirmed, and which she had contracted while working with the team attending missionary Manuel Garcia Viejo, who died Sep 25 at the same Madrid medical center. (Read: What is the Ebola virus disease survival rate?)
Also hospitalised at the same institution besides Teresa Romero are 16 other people, including three women -- a hairdresser, a nurse and a cleaning lady -- who were admitted Friday after coming into contact with the nursing assistant. None of those admitted have shown symptoms of infection from the virus. Besides the confirmed case of Teresa Romero, another case is under investigation -- a nurse with the team that attended Garcia Viejo and who tested negative in her first polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic exam. (Read: Ebola Facts: Top 7 myths busted)
The woman currently awaits the results of the second test which, after 72 hours, could be available later Saturday. Friday saw the Spanish government announce the creation of a "crisis cabinet" which includes the ministers of health, defence, the interior, presidency, economy and justice, as well as representatives of regional health authorities and the Carlos III Hospital, with other experts who can be called on when needed, according to a Xinhua report. This cabinet will be presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)
Meanwhile Spain's autonomous communities have agreed to modify their protocols for dealing with Ebola.
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 more about 8 tips to prevent Ebola infection
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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