E-B-O-L-A AND THE BUSH MEAT CONNECTION.

The Ebola virus has taken its toll on countries in West Africa and some citizens outside west Africa. The virus is deadly and only proper management in terms of isolation,,re- hydration and symptomatic treatment of patients only ensures recovery . The Ebola virus has been linked to fruit bats which is postulated to be the reservoir host,and also chimpanzees,monkeys and wild antelopes all popularly referred to as bush meat. The hunting,preparation and consumption have been traced as the major route of transmission of the virus to man.The recent outbreak of Ebola in Guinea started in a family in Meliandou, the area sits deep within the Guinea forest surrounded by flowing reeds.The boy died after infection with the virus,followed by the sister then the pregnant mum,it is important to note that the family were bat hunters. The Ebola virus spread from that family to other communities,Sierra leone and Liberia.The hunting of wild animals that has had contact with fruit bats,is the major route of infection .The hunting and consumption of wild animals have been discouraged,but more and more people are consuming bush meat and bats.The sale and smuggling of bush meat and bats across borders,within communities are major routes of spread of the virus. Consumption of bats ,bush meat and exportation should be curbed by active surveillance and mass education on the health hazards associated with consumption of these animals. Border patrol, airport surveillance and hospital check /screening result for people travelling from Ebola affected countries.

E-B-O-L-A ON THE MOVE .

The Ebola virus has caused a lot of deaths in and outside Africa.The worst hit African countries are Liberia,Sierra Leone and Guniea. The 3 countries with highest death toll were on the verge of a declaration as EBOLA FREE by the W.H.O before pockets of new cases emerged. The president of Guinea ; Alpha Conda, has announced the 45-day health emergency in the country.The restriction involve 5 major districts which are 1) Forecaniah, 2) Coyan 3) Dubreku 4)Boffa and 5) Kindia. The president noted that the virus has been traced along the coastal areas,the restrictions is to stamp out the virus and ensure proper surveillance and isolation. The latest cases of the Ebola virus occurred within the medical community, amongst health workers.Three doctors have been infected in Conakry hospital, this has been linked to lack of infection control in the hospital, and these lapses fueled the outbreak, and further spread of the virus. Six more medical personnel have been infected across 3 clinics in the western area of the country.The health facilities where personnel were infected have been quarantined and closed. Sierra leone also declared a 3 day nationwide lock down, which was fueled by fears that the virus was making a new entry.The health workers are going on a door-door campaign ,telling the citizens about the Ebola virus ,its mode of transmission and management protocol. The authorities also have a dedicated helpline which citizens are to dial in case of any new outbreak. Mass education and mobilization of the citizens and health workers are also underway, to ensure prevention of the virus and more deaths. The lifestyle of the people in the country has been linked to the the infection with the virus and consequent spread of the virus.It is worthy of note that bush meat and bats which are reservoir host of the Ebola virus is a delicacy in these countries,also community festivals, cooking parlors which are common place in these countries are another means of spread of the virus. Complacency on the part of health workers has also been fingered in the spread and maintenance of foci of infection. The virus is inactivated with soap and water; hence handwashing is key to prevent spread ,also alcohol based hand sanitizers will kill the virus.Decontamination of clothing and premises with bleach is also another means to kill the virus.Cleaning floors,tables,walls and drains with bleach also go a long way to destroy the virus. Keep washing hands with soap and clean floors with bleach.

EBOLA VIRUS.

The Ebola virus causes a deadly disease in man the Ebola virus transmitted from animals such as bats and primates(monkeys and apes) to humans through hunting,collection,processing, and consumption. The fruit bats,monkeys and apes are sources of forest meat/ bush meat in some African countries which potentiates spread of the virus.The consumption of fruits contaminated with fruit bats saliva is also a source of infection. The virus has been kicked out of Nigeria,its still ravaging in some African countries with tales of woe and death. It has been documented that outbreak of the Ebola virus infection normally starts with an index human case who has had contact with the reservoir host.The human to human transmission of the virus occurs by contact with infected body fluid,blood and secretions. The virus is also transmitted by contact with contaminated contaminated surfaces ,items,syringes and bedding. The signs and symptoms of the infection occur between 2-21 days,(but on an average of 10 days),these are fever,headache,diarrhea,vomiting,weakness,stomach pain,lack of appetite,bleeding from all orifices,joint and muscle pain. The Ebola virus infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild animals such as bats and monkeys,avoid contact with infected persons and cultivate the simple hygiene of hand washing and sanitizing. The environment can also be decontaminated by cleaning with full strength bleach solution.the virus is inactivated by strong chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite. The simple practice of hand washing and sanitizing plays a vital role to prevent spread of infection. The Ebola virus is inactivated when in contact with sodium hypochlorite(household bleach),so keep your environment safe and free,incorporate the use of bleach- water solution to your cleaning protocol to clean floor,walls and sidewalks. The use of the bleach solution to clean areas with high human traffic such as banks,malls,market,hospitals and parks is a good method to keep disease pathogens away. Isolation will be of immense benefit, when you notice a person is sick with classical signs of Ebola virus infection such as fever,diarrhoea,vomiting and bleeding from all orifices. If you need to travel stay away from countries with Ebola virus infection crisis, do not eat wild animals or purchase items made from animal byproducts such as drums,house decor. The best way to stop the virus is to prevent it,dont stop hand washing; hands up# stay safe# CLEAN IT # WASH IT# BLEACH IT.