Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : October 31, 2014 3:30 PM IST
One of the key measures to prevent the spread of Ebola virus disease is to use protective gear efficiently. Health workers and doctors caring for Ebola victims are at the greatest risk of acquiring the infection and therefore, they must be well aware about using personal protective equipment to prevent themselves from getting infected. (Read: What is the Ebola incubation period?)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally reviewed guidelines on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers who have to provide direct care to Ebola patients. Announcing the review of the guidelines, the WHO tweeted 'Dr Edward Kelley, Director, Service Delivery & Safety, briefs the press about WHO guidelines on personal protective equipment -#Ebola care'. (Read: Ebola virus signs and symptoms you need to watch out for!)
'Proper training in use of personal protective equipment is fundamental, the updated WHO guidelines note,' tweeted WHO as Dr Kelley saying during the press briefing. During the briefing, experts agreed the importance of having personal protective equipment that protects the mouth, nose and eyes from fluids, as they are the most vulnerable parts that may allow the entry of the virus into the body. (Read: Quarantine for Ebola what is it?)
How the Ebola virus spreads in humans?
It spreads through infected body fluids: Ebola spreads from one infected person to the other through direct contact of the skin and other bodily fluids. The virus is present in the body fluids of an infected person which includes blood, semen, sweat, urine, saliva, feaces, vomit, etc. If a healthy person comes in contact with the infected body fluids that enters his system through open wounds, blood transfusions or through the eyes, ears, mouth, nostrils, genital area, it can infect an individual within a span of two to 21 days depending on the severity of the viral attack. Having unsafe sex with an infected person also can lead to the viral infection. Read: 7 tips to prevent the spread of Ebola)
It can spread by using infected needles and other contaminated objects: This is obvious as infected needles and other contaminated objects might have remnants of infected body fluids. If this gets into the system of a healthy individual, it can spread the deadly disease rapidly.
It can spread through infected animals: Medical experts and researchers believe that Ebola was first transferred into humans through animals. However it has not yet been ascertained which animal could have led to the spread of the epidemic in humans. To avoid further contamination through animals it is advised to avoid eating uncooked meat, as one might run the risk of getting infected with the virus from an infected animal.
Photo source: Getty images
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
