Epidemic Viral Infection "Ebola" Hits African Countries (See Causes & Prevention)

According to latest reports, a deadly viral infection, Ebola has killed over 90 people in some African countries like Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, which has led to Senegal closing its border due to the spreading of the virus across African countries.

The Health Ministry has allayed fears of a possible outbreak of the disease in Ghana after a 12-year-old girl was suspected to have been killed by the virus.


World Health Organisations (WHO) is not recommending any restriction on travel or on trade with Guinea, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana or any other country where cases of Ebola have been either suspected or confirmed. That is not the way to deal with the Ebola outbreak; there are other measures to be taken. There is no need to place restrictions into trade, said Ms. Robalo.

However, UnilagHowfar has made some research to educate our lovely readers on the Causes, Symptoms and Possible Prevention/Cure of the deadly Virus.

Read below:

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF), also known as Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), is a highly contagious infection caused by one of five virus species belonging to the Filoviridae family believed to be carried by fruit bats. The Zaïre, Sudan, Taï Forest, and Bundibugyo viruses cause illness in humans while the Reston species affects animals. 

It is yet unclear how the virus originated or how it lives in the natural environment, but it is believed to be a zoonosis (an animal disease that can spread to humans) primarily found in primates. If a person comes into close contact with an infected gorilla, chimpanzee, or monkey, they can spread the infection to other humans. Person to person transmission occurs when coming into contact with the blood and bodily secretions of infected persons or cadavers without proper infection control gear (like masks, gloves, and gowns), and coming in direct contact with unsterilized medical instruments, infected blood products, and organs. So far, scientists have not been able to prove that the infection spreads among humans through air particles by sneezing or coughing. 

Risk: Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever typically occurs in west and central Africa. Persons working in healthcare settings are at greater risk, especially if working in unhygienic conditions and adequate protective equipment is not available. 

Serological evidence suggests the presence of Ebola virus in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Symptoms: Can appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days and include sudden fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, red eyes, and intense weakness. The illness progresses to vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, liver and kidney malfunction, as well as internal and external bleeding. Laboratory testing reveals low white blood cell and platelet counts as well as elevated liver enzymes. Treatment includes oral rehydration or intravenous fluids to offset dehydration and supportive care of symptoms. Ebola Virus Disease can be misdiagnosed with Marburg Virus Disease, and other infections such as malaria, typhoid fever, cholera, and ricketssial diseases.

The disease can take two days to three weeks to become apparent. The first symptoms are sore throat and fever, then also muscle pain, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, organ failure and blood loss or shock.


A person can carry the virus and not know it, and pass it on through direct contact with blood, mucus and other bodily fluids, such as during sex. The natural host of this virus is thought to be essentially fruit-eating bats and other animals.

Prevention: Travellers going to affected areas should refrain from visiting households or healthcare settings that have been affected by an Ebola outbreak. Those who care for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola cases should wear protective gowns, gloves, masks, as well as a face shield. Avoid eating meat from primates and monkeys as well as contact with dead animals. Practice good personal hygiene and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. There is currently no commercially available vaccine or preventive medication against Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever.

May the wrath of God not come upon us, abi which one be Ebola again. It will not come to Nigeria and the affected countries will be healed by the Grace of God.

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