It is no longer news that Ebola Virus disease outbreak has been confirmed by world health organization (WHO) as dangerous in Africa. An epidemic that has spread around many nations and that can be contacted through animals by slaughtering, mere body contacts or hand shakes and that can kill within 2 to 21 days, is worth campaigning about.
It is deadlier and kills faster than HIV/AIDS, according WHO report. A disease that was first observed in a remote village in Sudan and a river (called Ebola River) in the Democratic Republic of Congo around 1976, but was not given much attention but a little recognition, has now become the talk of the day and the most fasted killer disease in the world today.
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Beaches deserted in fear of Ebola Virus in Africa
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What is Ebola Virus disease? According to the World health Organization (WHO), Ebola Virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. In other words, it is an infectious and general fatal disease marked by fever and severe internal bleeding, spread through contact with infected body fluids by a filo virus (popularly called Ebola Virus), whose species is unknown. WHO reportedly confirmed many casualties of this disease, especially in most African countries.
The virus is carried by fruit bats which is the main host of the disease and this may have caused many breaking news of countries which are yet to have a report of any infected patent and were as a result henceforth, closing up their borders for travelers and business people for the main time, until it is proved by world health professionals that it has been lessened. So far as at 1st August, 2014, there are 1604 cases and 887 victims of Ebola Virus Disease in only 4 countries.
However, the the recently affected countries are Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and lately, a recent outbreak in Lagos, Nigeria of a Liberian and a Doctor involved in the treatment were being report to have died by that same virus.
Symptoms Of Ebola Fever?
Laboratory findings of Ebola Virus disease include, low white blood cell, platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes. However, it can only be confirmed through laboratory test. The major symptoms of Ebola virus are, sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. At the secondary stage, the infected patient will be vomiting, having diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, with a possible internal and external bleeding for some patients.
For anyone exposed to any of the African named Ebola Virus types like, Ebola Zaire, Ebola-Sudan, Ebola-Ivory Coast and Ebola Bundibugyo will definitely display the aforementioned symptoms within 2 to 21 days of exposure. The only exception is the Ebola-Reston (Philippines), which only affects animals and not humans and can be transmitted and spread between them only.
How Ebola Virus Disease Has Affected Businesses In Africa
The economic implication of the Ebola epidemic is enormous and is already happening. Recently, the Ghanaian government declared that flight to Nigeria and other affected countries should be stopped with immediate effect. This was due to the case of a Liberian that came in to Nigeria with an Ebola virus disease. And this has really caused a drastic drop in both country's bilateral trade. However, this does not leave all borders where goods and other travelers can come in through, for personal or business transactions.
A media report in Africa shows that, most people are scared to go to places like, eateries, airports, banks, retail markets, recreations centres and even worship centres, just to mention a few. As a matter of fact, no business can be exempted from this type of disease. This also includes online business transactions which cannot ultimately stand on its own, but also rely on people working for people. e.g. online market place.
With the present campaign against the deadly disease going on in Liberia with the pronouncement made by the president to shut down schools, market places, etc, it is good measure to curb or control the syndrome, though, with a very high economic implication on them; it may in a short while help to curb it or pull down their economy.
With the way the virus is fast spreading in west Africa and some parts of US, and if it continues like that without a quick solution, many businesses will collapse and may never rise again. The economic implication to each nations and areas affected with this virus syndrome cannot be overemphasized. It simply means that, other nations or people that are not affected would not want to associate; do business; invest; transact; gather for any reason; or even 'help' (in some cases) those who are affected by the virus. This is because one can even contact the virus from a dead body.
Top 10 Ways To Avoid Ebola Virus Disease
Though, there is no specific drug or cure for Ebola Virus yet, but it is strongly recommended that you should visit your health centre for intensive supportive treatment, using strict infection control procedures and protective measures. However, these ten keys will guide you from contacting this dreaded disease.
- Avoid general hand shakes with infected and non-infected people
- Don't handle items that have been touched by infected person
- Stop general visit to relatives or families in far distances (who might have probably been infected). Don't travel if possible.
- Avoid eating raw meats or some bush meats like bats, monkeys and rabbit, or killing them or any form of blood transfusion.
- If possible, try to avoid visiting hospitals or health centres when it is not of utmost priority. It is has been confirmed that health workers are prone or vulnerable to such infections.
- Always watch your hands before and after eating.
- Avoid fluid transmission of any kind This can come through, saliva, feces, urine or semen.
- Practice careful and at least 98% hygiene. This can come in the type of foods and drinks you tough or eat.
- Avoid using or sharing soiled clothing, bed linen or un-sterilised sharp objects.
- Read books or online journals on Ebola virus disease or healthy tips from time to time. The knowledge gained might save you and your loved ones from this epidemic.
Safe Parts Of Africa
Despite the fact that Ebola Virus is a viral and dreadful disease, and despite the general believe and bad impression about the outbreak of Ebola virus in Africa, there are still safe havens where one can do business with comfort and without any fear in some parts of Africa. This includes, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Zimbabue, Kenya, Libya, Algeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Somalia, and some other business oriented areas of the African region where there are no reports of any Ebola syndrome yet.
The truth cannot be denied that an infected patient was first found in Anambra and recently in Lagos, Nigeria, who transferred it to the country. Now the fact remains that, Nigeria has about 170 million population ( a key and vital place for skilled and unskilled labor), and it also has other 34 states where no issue of Ebola has been reported, which is very good business area for prospective business investors.
Ebola is truly dangerous and dreadful and there is yet a cure for it, that is why it is advisable to stay clear from ways in which it can easily be contacted, which had been enumerated above. You keep your family and loved ones away - out of the public at least for the mean time. Protect yourself from contacting it; report cases of suspected infected person(s) and you can be assured of saving lives and businesses. Life is too precious, lets don't allow EVD to end it for us.
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