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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 19, 2014 1:16 PM IST
According to recent reports, The World Health Organization has been accused of 'failure' in its response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. As per an internal document, officials involved in the management of Ebola outbreak failed to acknowledge 'fairly plain writing on the wall'. Some sources close to the WHO reported about multiple failures in the Ebola epidemic's early stages. (Read: Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ))
The draft reports suggest that experts should have realized that traditional methods of curbing the outbreak would not be helpful in a region with porous borders and poor health systems. The latest WHO figures say that death toll of Ebola outbreak has reached 4,546 and number of reported cases has gone up till 9,191 in the worst effected countries- Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. (Read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)
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 ANI
Image Source: Getty Images
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