Latest Ebola News: WHO says Senegal’s Ebola outbreak has ended

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 18, 2014 11:00 am

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that the deadly Ebola outbreak in Senegal was over, stating the West African country severely affected with the Ebola Virus on its diligence in putting an end to its spread. The WHO praised Senegal for its powerful response against the Ebola outbreak and setting a good example of what one should do when faced with an imported case of the Ebola infection. (Read: UN drafts guidelines to protect the human rights of quarantined Ebola patients) Also Read - “Vaccines do not equal zero Covid": WHO calls for sustained efforts to control virus transmission

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The Ebola case in Senegal was confirmed Aug 29 when a young man travelled overland from Guinea – where he had been in direct contact with an Ebola patient – to Dakar, the capital of Senegal. In a swift reaction to stop the deadly disease from spreading, the Senegalese government launched response plans. These included identifying and monitoring 74 close contacts of the patient, promptly testing all suspected cases, stepping-up surveillance at the country’s many entry points, and broadcasting nationwide public awareness campaigns. (Read: Ebola Facts: Top 7 myths busted) Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

The WHO said it treated this case as a public health emergency and immediately dispatched a team of epidemiologists to work alongside Senegalese authorities and other partners. The patient recovered in September and has since returned to Guinea. ‘Senegal has maintained a high level of active ‘case finding’ for 42 days – twice the maximum incubation period of the Ebola virus disease – to detect possible unreported cases of infection,’ the statement read. But the WHO warned that despite the Ebola outbreak being officially over in Senegal, the geographical position of the country – which borders Guinea, a country severely affected by Ebola – makes the country vulnerable to additional imported cases of Ebola. (Read: 5 reasons the ebola virus should never come to India)

Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The Ebola virus outbreak has threatened West Africa with the death toll increasing at an alarming rate every day. The lack of proper awareness about the Ebola infection adds to the deadly potential of the virus, increasing the risk of being infected with Ebola. Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) with answers about the deadly Ebola disease –

1. How is the Ebola virus disease caused?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a contagious disease caused by infection with one of the four strains of the Ebola virus. The Ebola virus belongs to the family of Filoviridae and the viral strains with potential for infection in humans are Zaire, Bundibugyo, Tai Forest and Sudan virus. (Read: Ebola virus causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention)

2. How does it spread?

The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with the body fluids (semen, sweat, saliva and blood), infected objects (needles) and close skin contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through close contact with infected animals (handling the meat) and consumption of uncooked meat. (Read: 10 reasons that make the Ebola virus deadly for humans)

3. What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Ebola virus usually appear between 2 to 21 days after being infected with the virus. The early symptoms include high fever (greater than 38.6 C), headache, drop in blood pressure and stomach pain. Whereas late signs of Ebola infections which indicate medical emergency are sore throat, jaundice, skin rashes, bleeding and loss of appetite. (Read: 9 warning symptoms of Ebola that you should know)

4. Who is at highest risk of getting the disease?

Any individuals who are in close contact with the person infected with the Ebola virus are at high risk of getting the disease. Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses and ward boys) who are taking care of the patients as well as family members and friends who are in close contact with the infected person are at higher risk of acquiring the infection. To know more read about Ebola facts frequently asked questions (FAQ)

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

Published : October 18, 2014 11:00 am

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