10 Things You Should Know About The Deadly Ebola Virus

The Ebola Virus is spreading rapidly across West Africa and has caused over 600 deaths since the first reported case in February.

1. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.

2.EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90% meaning 9 out of 10 peoplewho contract the disease are likely to die

3.The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population throughhuman-to-human transmission.

4.Ebolacan be contracted through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people including semen and vaginal fluid.

5.Contact with the corpse of a diseased person can also lead to infection with the virus.

6.The symptoms of Ebola include fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.

7.The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is2 to 21 days

8.Suspicious wild life aka Bush meat should be avoided as much as possible and animal products to be consumed should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

9.Regular hand washing is advisable to avoid picking up germs. Use soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol

10.Be aware. Get as much information as you can about Ebola. Protect yourself and your family. Prevention is better than cure