CICOPA

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Ebola

Ebola is an incurable and deadly disease, but it can be prevented. The Ebola virus is transmitted by direct contact with blood, saliva, sweat, vomit and urine, and tissues of infected people or animals.

Although there is no proved vaccine and no specific treatment for Ebola, there are a number of measures people can take to protect themselves.

Know the warning signs

Symptoms of Ebola can appear as soon as two days, or as long as 21 days, after infection with the Ebola virus.

When a person becomes infected with Ebola virus, the virus begins to multiply within the body. After four to six days on average, Ebola symptoms can begin. The period between infection with the virus and the start of Ebola symptoms is called the incubation period. The Ebola incubation period can be as short as two days or as long as 21 days.

The start of Ebola symptoms is usually abrupt. Common symptoms can include: Fever, sore throat, weakness, severe headache, joint and muscle aches, diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, hacking cough and stomach pain. A rash, red eyes, hiccups, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients.

Prevention

Ebola prevention focuses on preventing direct contact with body fluids of those infected with the virus.

Importance of hand washing

Handwashing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine--it involves five simple and effective steps (wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry). Regular hand-washing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Knowing when and how to wash your hands, the importance of using soap and water, and what you can do if soap and clean, running water are not available is crucial.

How to wash your hands

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. -Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather backs of your hands, between fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Rinse hands well under clean, running water.

Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be used as an alternative.

Avoid contact with anyone you believe is infected with undiagnosed fever.

Healthcare workers should wear protective clothing including a face mask and gloves and avoid shaking hands with patients.