Keeping Your Family Safe from Ebola

One of the hottest topics in the news around the United States right now is the scare and risk of Ebola. Is the United States Ebola’s next target for an epidemic? Is Ebola our generations AIDS? Should we be scared to walk out our doors, let alone function in normal society?

It was not until the news started reporting of Ebola hitting the United States that I have buried my head in the news just waiting to hear our world is slowly crashing down one germ at a time.  The good news is that there has been no form of Ebola contracted within the United States. The bad is that there have been 3 individuals treated in our hospitals across the United States. The fear of this potentially fatal epidemic did not really hit home with me until Ebola started taking over our news here in Texas.  Are we more vulnerable? Are my kids safe?  These questions among many more pass through my head everyday.

What really is Ebola?

According to WHO, the World Health Organization, Ebola (hemorrhagic fever) is a rare and serious disease caused by infection with one of the five virus strains. Fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas,

monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines that are found ill or dead in the rainforest host the virus. The virus is then introduced to humans through the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of the infected animals. It has been reported that this is commonly transmitted through eating raw meat of an infected animal.

The Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo where there were 318 reported cases with an 88% death rate.  From 1976 the majority of Ebola cases were reported across Africa. The most recent outbreak first reported in March of the year, is the largest and most complex outbreak since 1976.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EBOLA. CLICK HERE 

How can we get Ebola?

Ebola is spread among humans by the direct contact of an infected human’s blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids. This includes semen and breast milk. Men who were infected can transmit Ebola through their semen for up to 7 weeks after recovery. Ebola can also be spread through surfaces and materials contaminated by an infected person’s bodily fluids. 

Unlike other viral outbreaks, the Ebola virus is not spread through the air, water, or food.  There has also been no evidence that the virus can be spread through insects.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Level 1:

• Fever greater than 101.5 degrees F
• Severe headache
• Muscle pain
• Weakness
• Sore throat

Level 2:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Rash
• Symptoms of impaired kidney and Liver function
• In some cases internal and external bleeding

A person will not become infectious until the onset of the symptoms that arise between 2-21 days after coming into contact with Ebola. During a blood test low white blood cell and platelet counts will be noted, along with elevated liver enzymes.

How do you keep your family Safe?

• WASH YOUR HANDS!!!
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid other people’s blood and body fluids
• Disinfect all surfaces – especially those in public
• Wear gloves in public if unsure of your surrounding
• Avoid anyone who you suspect might be infected
• Avoid contact with bats and nonhuman primates
• Boost your immune system
• Be cautious of public restrooms
• Do not touch your face without sanitizing or washing hands
• Keep all wounds bandaged properly

If you are like me, germs are your worst nightmare. The fear of contracting some weird virus, let alone Ebola is overwhelming! I fear more for my children than anything else. I constantly have to grab unknown objects out of their hands and mouth. Store shopping carts, public restrooms, store counters, and credit card readers are some of my worst enemies! To help limit the risk of my family coming into contact with Ebola, I have invested in high alcohol content hand sanitizer, portable Lysol wipes, and Lysol disinfecting spray. Yes, I am that woman with a can of Lysol disinfecting spray in public.

Don’t let the media scare you with all of the Ebola stories. Know your facts and practice careful hygiene to stay germ free, especially during the winter months. 

References: 

"Ebola Virus Disease." WHO. World Health Organization, Sept. 2014. Web. 08 Oct. 2014. <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/>.

"Prevention." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 07 Oct. 2014. Web. 08 Oct. 2014. <http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/prevention/index.html>.

"Answering Your Questions About Ebola Treatments And Vaccines." NPR. NPR, 10 Oct. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2014. <http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/10/10/355184997/answering-your-questions-about-ebola-treatments-and-vaccines>.