Updates on the dreaded Ebola Virus.

A medical doctor shared this with us in the office, I thought of sharing with you also. 

"Dear All,

As you are aware, Ebola virus has been recently found in Lagos. Relevant information is easily available on the internet and I only add a few comments:

  *

the virus is very weak and is destroyed by sun, dryness and soap;

  *

the virus is not transmitted by air (unlike flu-like diseases) but through tissues and body fluids (including saliva) coming from infected people;

  *

the outbreaks take place, in most cases, in small communities, where traditional burying ceremonies facilitate the contagion;

  *

the contagion is very unlikely during the incubation period. That means that there is not a commitment to avoid contacts with healthy-looking persons;

  *

the symptoms are usually important and discourage sick people to leave their home;

  *

most of deaths occur where the hygienic measures are very poor or disregarded.

You will be timely informed of the significant news, and will be promptly advised in case of specific measures are to be adopted.

For the time being, just observe the below recommended behaviors.

Prevention focuses on avoiding contact with the viruses. The following precautions can help prevent infection and spread of Ebola or Marburg.

  *

Avoid areas of known outbreaks. Before traveling to other Countries, find out about current epidemics by checking on institutional websites.

  *

Wash your hands frequently. As with other infectious diseases, one of the most important preventive measures is frequent hand-washing. Use soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water aren't available. The Company will shortly provide hand sanitizers to be placed at various locations close to you.

  *

Closely monitor/educate your households (especially domestic staff - drivers, stewards/house helps, etc.) to ensure they are not exposed to sources of transmission.

  *

Avoid bush meat. Avoid buying or eating the wild animals, including nonhuman primates, sold in local markets.

  *

Avoid contact with infected people. In particular, caregivers should avoid contact with the person's body fluids and tissues, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. People with Ebola or Marburg are most contagious in the later stages of the disease.

  *

Follow infection-control procedures. If you're a health care worker, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, gowns and eye shields. Keep infected people isolated from others. Dispose of needles and sterilize other instruments.

  *

Don't handle remains. The bodies of people who have died of Ebola or Marburg disease are still contagious. Specially organized and trained teams should bury the remains, using appropriate safety equipment."