Ebola Virus Explained as WHO Raises Concern Over Rising Cases in Africa Symptoms Spread and Prevention Measures
Ebola virus has raised global health concerns due to rising cases in Africa WHO explains symptoms transmission risks and prevention methods while urging awareness and caution as screenings begin at international travel points
Growing cases of Ebola virus in parts of Africa have once again drawn global attention, prompting concern from the World Health Organization. While no cases have been reported in India so far, authorities at airports have started screening international travellers as a precautionary step. The situation has led to renewed awareness about this dangerous infection and how it spreads.
Ebola is considered one of the most severe viral infections known to humans. Earlier referred to as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, the disease attacks multiple organs of the body and weakens blood vessels. This can lead to internal as well as external bleeding, making the infection highly life threatening if not treated in time.
One of the challenges with Ebola is that symptoms may take time to appear. The incubation period can range from two to twenty one days. At the beginning, the infection often looks like a common flu. Patients may experience sudden high fever, extreme fatigue, headache, sore throat and muscle or joint pain, which can easily be ignored in the early stage.
As the condition worsens, more severe symptoms begin to develop. These include vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes and failure of vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. In advanced stages, internal bleeding can occur, and bleeding may also be seen from the eyes, nose, gums and other body parts, making the illness extremely critical.
Unlike airborne diseases, Ebola does not spread through air, water or mosquito bites. It spreads mainly through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, urine or semen. Even contaminated objects like clothes, bedding or needles used by an infected person can transmit the virus.
Experts recommend strict hygiene practices as the first line of defence. Avoiding direct contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids is essential. Regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol based sanitizers can significantly reduce the risk. In recent years, effective vaccines have also been developed, which have shown promising results in controlling outbreaks and reducing transmission.
