Health Promotion Edition: Ebola Virus

Hi Readers,

Happy Monday! How is everyone doing? I believe all is well with you all. Well, I am back again but this post will focus on health. I'm sure that virtually all of you are aware of the disease outbreak in West Africa caused by the Ebola virus. 

After a conversation with a friend yesterday, I got the motivation to put some information together for people who have little or no understanding on this issue. This post will not focus on the political aspect or the responsibility of the government. Rather, it will create awareness, educate and address myths/misconceptions about this virus. 

What is Ebola? 

"Ebola virus disease (also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) is a rare and deadly disease. The disease is native to several African countries and is caused by infection with one of the ebola viruses (Ebola, Sudan, Bundibugyo, or Taï Forest virus). It is spread by direct contact with a sick person’s blood or body fluids. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects or infected animals".

What are the symptoms?

They include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Skin rash, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients. Also, symptoms might be similar to malaria, typhoid fever, etc. Symptoms only appear from 2-21 days of exposure.

Myth 1: Can I have Ebola by touching or hugging anyone?

• No, The virus only spread through direct contact with sick person's blood or body fluids (such as urine, excrete, pus, saliva, vaginal secretion, etc). It can also follow contact with infected animals and contaminated objects. However, avoid touching or hugging someone who has the virus or showing signs

Myth 2: Will showering with salt-water help?

• No, salt-water bath has nothing to do with the virus. On the other hand, it can even put you at risk (might even cause death) if the salt content in the water is high.

Myth 3: Can I use hand-sanitizers in preventing Ebola?

• No! As I stated above, Ebola is a virus & hand-sanitizers are anti-septics (they reduce the chance of bacteria infection or contamination). So, rubbing hand-sanitizers or installing it in your office will do you no good. However, making sure you do the necessary prevention (See below)

How can it be prevented?

Follow the guidelines in the picture 

via tlcafrica.com

Remember, YOUR “AGBO” (traditional herbs) WON’T  HEAL YOU!

I hope you found this post highly educative. God will continue to protect us from all evil & disease. No sickness & disease shall come near our households in Jesus name (Amen)

Disclaimer: this information is compiled from the center for disease control and prevention (CDC). For more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/

Have a great week

Stay Blessed!