Are we aware of the dangerous disease called Ebola Virus Disease?

You must have heard about Ebola on TV and in the news, right? When we hear that name, a picture of a scary, terrible disease comes to our mind. Although it is widespread in African countries, it is very important for all of us, anywhere in the world, to have basic knowledge about such dangerous diseases. So, today, let's talk simply and clearly about this Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

What exactly is Ebola?

Simply put, Ebola is a rare but dangerous disease that causes symptoms such as high fever, body aches, diarrhea, and sometimes severe bleeding inside and outside the body. It is caused by a group of viruses called Ebola.

Once this virus enters the body, it damages our immune system and internal organs . Eventually, the levels of cells that help our blood clot (platelets) become dangerously low. This is why we start bleeding uncontrollably.

This disease was first identified in Africa in 1976. The first cases were reported in a village near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That is why it got its name "Ebola". Scientists believe that this virus lives in the bodies of animals such as fruit bats. These animals can carry the virus without getting sick. However, these animals can spread it to other animals and humans.

How does someone get Ebola?

The first thing to say is that Ebola is not an airborne disease like the common cold or the flu. You can't catch it from the air you breathe.

The disease is spread when a person comes into contact with the blood, secretions, or organs of an animal (such as a monkey, chimpanzee, or fruit bat) that has been infected with the virus. This can sometimes happen by preparing or eating the meat of an infected animal.

Once someone has the disease, it can be spread from that person to another person. This is through direct contact with the patient's body fluids. This means that someone who cares for the patient, or someone who buries someone who has died from the disease, can get the disease if they come into contact with their blood or other body fluids. The virus enters our bodies through cuts or wounds on the skin, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth.

What are the symptoms of this?

The symptoms of Ebola are very similar to those of common illnesses such as the flu and cold. Symptoms can appear between 2 and 21 days after the virus enters the body.

What is the diagnosis and treatment of the disease?

It's hard to tell for sure if it's Ebola just by looking at the symptoms. That's why doctors run tests to make sure there aren't other diseases like malaria or cholera. Blood and tissue tests are the best way to diagnose Ebola.

If someone is confirmed to have Ebola, they are immediately isolated from others and treatment begins to prevent the spread of the disease.

Treatment methods

There is still no definitive "cure" for Ebola. However, there are several treatments and approved medications that can control symptoms and increase the chances of saving the patient's life.

• Supportive Care: This is the most important thing.
• Providing the body with the necessary fluids and salts (saline)
• Providing oxygen
• Controlling blood pressure
• Blood transfusions if necessary
• Medicines for vomiting and diarrhea
• Medicines to reduce pain and fever
• Approved Drugs: Two drugs, Inmazeb and Ebanga, have been approved to treat the Zaire variant of the Ebola virus. These are monoclonal antibodies. They are given intravenously.

How to protect yourself from Ebola?

We in Sri Lanka don't need to be too worried about this because Ebola outbreaks have been reported mainly from African countries. But as people travel all over the world, it is very important to know how to protect ourselves from such diseases.

• Avoid contact with body fluids: Do not come into direct contact with a patient's blood, vomit, urine, or sweat.
• Avoid infected equipment: Do not touch items such as bedding, clothing, and needles used by the patient.
• Wash your hands frequently: It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid contact with animals: Avoid touching animals like bats and monkeys in areas where Ebola is present.
• Special protection for healthcare workers: If you are a healthcare worker, you must wear masks, gloves, goggles, and special protective clothing (gowns) when treating an Ebola patient.
• Post-Travel Precautions: If you have traveled to a country with an Ebola outbreak, monitor your symptoms for 21 days. If you develop symptoms such as fever or headache, tell your doctor immediately.

Is there a vaccine for Ebola?

Yes, there are two licensed vaccines to protect against Ebola.

1. Ervebo: This is a single-dose vaccine. It is used to control the spread of Ebola during an outbreak.

2. Zabdeno and Mvabea: This is a two-dose vaccine. It is usually used to protect at-risk individuals (such as healthcare workers) before an outbreak.

These vaccines are not given to the general public. They are used for high-risk individuals in areas where Ebola is prevalent.

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