New Ebola Outbreak Hits Africa: Is This The Beginning Of Another Pandemic - Are Indians At Risk Too?

Ebola is a rare disease caused by a group of viruses called orthoebolaviruses. Experts say that this virus can cause serious illness, which can lead to fatality if left untreated. Know if Indians are at risk of the new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

After battling the deadly COVID-19 virus for over 5 years, Africa is now in the grip of another deadly virus called Ebola. Despite regular efforts to eliminate the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country located in central Africa is witnessing its 16th outbreak since the disease was identified in 1976. The new Ebola outbreak, which has enveloped the Kasai Province, is suspected to be caused by the severe Zaire Ebola virus strain.

How 16th Ebola Outbreak Start In Congo?

According to reports, the outbreak first started when a 34-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized at the Bulape General Reference Hospital on 20th August and died a few days later. Additionally, health workers who were treating the pregnant lady also succumbed to death due to the virus. So far, the Ebola virus has infected 81 people, resulting in 28 deaths, including 4 health workers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the outbreak through laboratory tests by 4th September after getting a report on 1st September from the DRC Ministry of Health. As per data, the new Ebola outbreak has so far affected Bulape and Mweka's health zones in Kasai Province, which is home to around 3.5 million people. EVD is a rare medical condition, but it can be fatal if left untreated. The last outbreaks in Kasai Province were reported in Luebo in 2007 and in Mweka between 2008 2009.

What Is Ebola?

Ebola is a rare disease spread by a group of viruses called orthoebolaviruses. Experts say that this virus can cause serious illness, which can lead to fatality if left untreated. There are four types of orthoebolaviruses, such as:

• Ebola virus is caused by the Ebola Virus Disease (Orthoebolavirus zairense).
• Sudan virus is caused by the Sudan Virus Disease (Orthoebolavirus sudanense).
• Tai Forest virus is caused by Tai Forest Virus Disease (Orthoebolavirus taiense).
• Bundibugyo virus is caused by Bundibugyo Virus Disease (Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense).

Signs And Symptoms Of Ebola

People infected with the Ebola virus may experience dry symptoms such as fever, aches, pains, and fatigue in the initial stage. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that as the condition becomes severe, it may progress to show wet symptoms, which may include diarrhoea, vomiting and unexplained bleeding.

Ebola Prevention

A person can get Ebola through the body fluids of an infected person, and it rarely spreads from an animal. To prevent this life-threatening disease, you may consider following the essential points below:

• Do not touch any body fluids from an infected person. This may include (urine, faeces, saliva, sweat, vomit, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen, and vaginal fluid).
• Refrain from unprotected sex until your partner has tested negative for Ebola. The semen of an infected individual may even have the Ebola virus that can enter your body, resulting in fatality.
• Avoid using the same clothes, medical equipment and other essential items as those of an infected person because they may carry the Ebola virus.
• Keep social distancing from someone who has been infected by the virus.

Are Indians At Risk Of Ebola?

With a new Ebola outbreak in the origin country (the Democratic Republic of the Congo) of the disease, concerns about the spread of Ebola to neighbouring countries have been heightened. However, the good news is that India's Health Ministry haven't issued any statement regarding the recent Ebola outbreak.

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