With the confirmation of the first U.S. patient to test positive for the Ebola virus, concern about symptoms and how to prevent infection is likely to be at the forefront of people’s minds.
Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control, said in August that the risk of an outbreak in the U.S. is considered very low, as patients become contagious only when symptoms are shown and that American hospitals are well equipped to isolate cases to control the spread of the virus.
SEE ALSO: Dallas Hospital Patient Tests Positive for Ebola
The early signs and symptoms of the Ebola virus include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Joint and muscle aches
- Chills
- Weakness
Symptoms may become increasingly severe over time, the Mayo Clinic said, with additional symptoms present, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Red eyes
- Raised rash
- Chest pain and cough
- Stomach pain
- Severe weight loss
- Bleeding, usually from the eyes, and bruising (people near death may bleed from other orifices, such as ears, nose and rectum)
- Internal bleeding
There is no vaccine for the Ebola virus as of this time, but scientists and researchers are working on a variety of drugs that could one day combat the Ebola virus.
The best means of prevention are similar to those you would practice to prevent the common cold or the flu, and it starts at your bathroom sink. Thoroughly washing your hands, and practicing good hygiene with soap and water, is a good first step to preventing infection.
An alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60 percent alcohol is an alternative when soap and water isn’t available.
Other Ebola virus prevention tips including:
- Avoiding travel to areas with known outbreaks
- Refraining from eating bush meat from developing nations, especially those where Ebola virus has been found
- Avoid contact with infected people, including their body fluids and tissues.
- Wear protective clothing, including gloves, masks, gowns and eye shields if you are a health care worker.
- Dispose of needles and sterilize other instruments regularly to prevent infection.
- Do not touch or handle the bodies of people who have died of the Ebola virus.
Remember, people with Ebola virus are most contagious in the later states of the disease, as symptoms become evident, the Mayo Clinic said.
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Ebola Virus Symptoms and Prevention Tips was originally published on news92fm.com
