EBOLA VIRUS INFECTION - What you should know! High fever, Headache, Joint and muscle aches, Sore throat, Weakness, Stomach pain, Lack of appetite

Wednesday, October 01, 2014 | 2:11 AM    

OBSERVER ONLINE today begins its national campaign of informing our readers on the deadly Ebola Virus and the Chikungunya virus. The aim of the Jamaica Observer through these articles and graphics is to inform, and hopefully to have Jamaicans become more aware of Ebola and Chikungunya so that the necessary steps can be taken to deal with these ailments. We begin the series with a look at Ebola. Please take the time to read and to view the graphics posted with today's article. With every good wish - Editor

WHAT IS EBOLA?

Ebola is a rare but deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body.

As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop. This leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding.

HOW DO YOUN GET EBOLA?

Ebola isn’t as contagious as more common viruses like colds, influenza, or measles. It spreads to people by contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, like a monkey, chimp, or fruit bat. Then it moves from person to person the same way. Those who care for a sick person or bury someone who has died from the disease often get it.

Other ways to get Ebola include touching contaminated needles or surfaces. 

You can’t get Ebola from air, water, or food. A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms can’t spread the disease, either.

What Are the Symptoms of Ebola?

Early on, Ebola can feel like the flu or other illnesses. Symptoms show up 2 to 21 days after infection and usually include:

High fever

Headache

Joint and muscle aches

Sore throat

Weakness

Stomach pain

Lack of appetite

As the disease gets worse, it causes bleeding inside the body, as well as from the eyes, ears, and nose.  Some people will vomit or cough up blood, have bloody diarrhea, and get a rash.

How Is Ebola Diagnosed?

Sometimes it's hard to tell if a person has Ebola from the symptoms alone. Doctors may test to rule out other diseases like cholera or malaria.<

Tests of blood and tissues also can diagnose Ebola.

If you have Ebola, you’ll be isolated from the public immediately to prevent the spread.       more