Ebola: Signs, symptoms and preventive measures

After a patient was placed in seclusion at Kericho County Referral Hospital, after being feared to have contracted Ebola virus, many are definitely worried.

It is evidently worrying that a disease previously heard miles away from Kenya is now in the neighbouring country if not within.

But as everyone ponders about the next course of action, understanding Ebola is key in regulating your movement as well as guiding anyone on what to worry on and, or not.

According to the World Health Organization, Ebola can be transmitted through:

· Sharing clothing with an infected person.

· Unsterilized equipment used by an infected person.

· Bloods and secretions from an infected person.

· Contacting urine from an infected person.

· Being in contact saliva from an infected person.

· Vomit from an infected person.

· Sweat from an infected person.

· Handling solid human waste from an infected person.

· Handling infected wildlife whether dead or alive.

Furthermore knowing the telltale signs of the deadly disease is important to getting urgent medication just in case you or your close associate has contracted it.

Symptoms

· Sudden onset of fever.

· Headache.

· Intense body weakness.

· Muscle pain.

· Sore throat.

· Vomiting.

· Diarrhoea.

· Skin rash.

· Bleeding from a body opening.

In case you notice or suspect someone is having Ebola symptoms, or maybe a close associate has passed on of the disease, the following step will help you to stay safe:

· Avoid contact with body fluid of the suspected patient.

· If you must hold the patient wear gloves and mask your head.

· In case the patient dies the body should be laid to rest immediately by a professional burial team.

Above all, it is everyone responsibility to report any suspected case to the nearest Health facility.