Ebola virus diseases EVD August 2014
Why Ebola generates such fear? Ebola is one of the world's most deadly diseases. It can kill up to 90% of people who developed Ebola virus disease. There is not treatment against it. There is not vaccine against it is that Ebola Virus Diseases is not highly contagious like influenza, as Ebola virus Disease is not transmitted through air droplets. 2
Where did 2014 outbreak of Ebola started? Ebola outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests In March 2014, first case was identified in Guinea. By end of March, the disease spread also in neighboring countries: Sierra Leone and Liberia. Now, the disease is present also in Nigeria, and due to its peculiarities it has been recognized by WHO (World Health Organization) a public health emergency of international concern 3
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) how does it spread? Animal to human It is thought that the first patient, at start of outbreak, became infected through contact with an infected animal (bat or other wild animal) Contact with or handling of wild animals, alive or dead or their raw or undercooked meat can cause disease. Human to human transmission People can be infected with Ebola virus from direct contact with the blood, secretions or body fluids of an infected person or corps Infection may occur through indirect contact with objects (such as needles, bed linen, cloths) that have been contaminated with blood or bodily fluids of infected person. 4
Who is at risk of catching Ebola? Most people who have become infected with Ebola lived with or cared for an ill patient At higher risk of infection are: health workers; family members or others in close contact with infected people; mourners who have direct contact with the bodies of the deceased as part of burial ceremonies. 5
Can plane passengers became infected? It's possible that a person infected with Ebola in West Africa could get on a plane and arrive in another country. However, the chances of the virus spreading during the journey are low. "This is not an airborne transmission," said Dr. Marty Cetron, director of CDC's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. "There needs to be direct contact frequently with body fluids or blood." 6
Ebola which are the symptoms? The onset of Ebola hemorrhagic fever is abrupt and starts with: sudden onset of fever intense weakness muscle pain headache sore throat The incubation period (time between the infection and the appearance of the symptoms) is between 2 to 21 days These are followed by: Vomiting Diarrhea Rash impaired kidney Impaired liver function Red eyes Both internal and external bleeding (in some cases) Persons in incubation period are not contagious In the early phase of symptomatic patients, there is a low risk of transmission People are infectious as long as their blood and secretions contain the virus 7
Why some people infected with Ebola recover and others not? Researchers do not understand why some people are able to recover from Ebola and others are not. However, it is known that patients who die usually have not developed a significant immune response to the virus at the time of death. Approximately 25 to 90 percent of all infected people die. 8
Ebola how is diagnosed? Ebola virus infections can be diagnosed only in specialized laboratory through several types of tests. Medical staff that draw and handle blood must be trained in Ebola testing 9
Ebola is there a vaccine? Can be treated? No vaccine for Ebola Hemorrhagic fever is available. No specific treatment is available. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. Patients are frequently dehydrated and require oral rehydration with solutions containing electrolytes or intravenous fluids. Staff and family who care for Ebola patients MUST be trained in the proper use of appropriate personal protective equipment 10
Ebola how can be prevented? To reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission : AVOID contact with or handling of wild animals, alive or death or their raw or undercooked meat Animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Should be consumed only meat from a reliable source. 11
Ebola how can be prevented? To reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission : AVOID contact with blood or bodily fluids of a person or corpse infected with Ebola virus AVOID having sexual intercourse with a sick person or a person recovering from EVD for at least 7 weeks AVOID having contact with any object, such as needles, that has been contaminated with blood or bodily fluids Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home People who have died from Ebola should be promptly and safely buried AVOID mass gatherings (concerts, bars, political meetings, massive religious ceremonies, close prolonged intimate contact with unknown persons) 12
Ebola how can be prevented? Wash vegetables and fruits with chlorinated water before consuming! Remember simple rule: Boil it Cook it Peel it, or Forget it! Wash your hands frequently and properly! 13
When should someone seek medical care? If a person has been in an area known to have Ebola virus disease or in contact with a person known or suspected to have Ebola and they begin to have symptoms, they should seek medical care immediately. Any cases of persons who are suspected to have the disease should be reported to the nearest health unit without delay. Prompt medical care is essential to improving the rate of survival from the disease. It is also important to control spread of the disease and infection control procedures need to be started immediately. 14
For any additional questions, contact Saipem doctor from your site. 15