Latest Ebola News: US health worker isolated on ship for handling samples of Ebola-infected people

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 18, 2014 1:07 pm

According to the Department of State, a health worker at a Texas hospital has been isolated on a cruise ship in the Caribbean sea. This is because, the worker is suspected to have contracted the Ebola virus during contact with with specimens from the first patient diagnosed with Ebola on the US soil. (Read: Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)) Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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The employee of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, who was out of the country via a commercial cruise ship Oct 12, did not have direct contact with Duncan, a Liberian who was diagnosed with Ebola in the US and died Oct 8, but may have had contact with clinical specimens collected from him, Xinhua reported citing the statement. (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?) Also Read - New testing device said to detect Ebola in less than 30 minutes, say scientists

When the worker left the country on the ship from Galveston, Texas, only self-monitoring was required, the department said. It has been 19 days since the health worker, a female, may have processed the fluid samples of deceased Duncan, only two days shy of the 21-day incubation period for Ebola, it noted. ‘The cruise ship’s doctor has monitored and confirmed the worker was in good health,’the statement said. ‘Following this examination, the hospital employee and travelling partner have voluntarily remained isolated in a cabin.’ The department said it is working with the cruise line to safely bring them back to the US out of an abundance of caution. (Read: Ebola virus signs and symptoms you need to watch out for!)

8 tips to prevent Ebola infection

For a deadly virus like Ebola, negligence is a golden opportunity to attack healthy individuals and cause Ebola virus disease (EVD). Once an outbreak has been declared, only effective preventive and precautionary measures will help prevent further spread of infection. 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: 5 reasons the ebola virus should never come to India)

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. Read about more tips to prevent Ebola infection

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : October 18, 2014 1:07 pm

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