How Is Ebola Fever Diagnosed:
Ebola fever is diagnosed using blood tests to detect the Ebola virus in your blood. Your doctor may test you for the Ebola virus if you have symptoms of Ebola fever and have recently been in an area where the virus is found.
How Is Ebola Fever Treated:
There is no cure for Ebola fever. The only available treatments are those meant to help to ease your symptoms. These may include:
- Oxygen therapy
- Intravenous fluids
- Blood transfusions
- Medications to treat shock
- Pain medications
Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. No licensed specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals.
When to Call a Doctor:
Call your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of Ebola fever and have recently traveled to endemic parts of Africa (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) or been exposed to the Ebola virus. The earlier you receive treatment, the better your chances will be for survival.
Outlook: The Chances of Survival with Ebola Fever:
The National Institutes of Health estimate that Ebola fever is fatal in as many as 90 percent of all infected patients (NIH, 2011). The virus infects the liver, destroys the lining of blood vessels, and causes blood clotting problems and loss of blood. Death is usually due to hypovolemic shock because of loss of blood. It is not known why some people survive Ebola fever while others do not.
How Can Ebola Fever Be Prevented:
You can lower your risk of becoming infected with the Ebola virus by avoiding locations where it is found, especially during times when there is an outbreak of Ebola fever. Avoid handling live or dead wild animals. Some species of animals besides primates may carry the Ebola virus. The African subtypes of the virus have also been found in forest antelope and fruit bats. Also, always be sure to wear special protective clothing (gown, gloves, full face mask and eye goggles) if you are around a person with Ebola fever.
Please report any suspicious case to Federal Ministry of Health:
- 08023169485
- 08033086660
- 08033065303
- 08055281442
- 08055329229
