How dangerous is Ebola virus?Image Credit source: Getty Images
Sujin Singh, former chief of the National Center for Disease Control, which managed Corona, has described Ebola as extremely deadly. This new variant and the rapidly spreading infection in Africa is becoming a concern for the world. It is being told that if this virus infects a human being then the risk of death remains up to 50 percent. Vigilance has been increased in India regarding the Ebola virus spreading in African countries.
Dr. Sujit Singh, former head of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), who took over the responsibility of monitoring and infection control in the country during the Corona epidemic, has shared many important information regarding Ebola.
Risk of death up to 50 percent
Dr. Singh warned that the risk of death in Ebola could be 30 to 50 percent. This time the infection spread in DR Congo is a matter of greater concern because a new variant of the virus has emerged in it. He said that this outbreak has spread in such remote areas where health facilities and testing system are very weak. More than 900 suspected cases have been reported so far, but the actual number may be much higher because many patients are not even being tested.
Dr Sujit Singh said that the infection has spread from DR Congo to Uganda and then Sudan. This is why countries around the world have been asked to remain alert and review their preparations. In India too, airport screening, preparation of hospitals, isolation rooms, quarantine facilities and testing systems are being constantly reviewed.
Big difference between Ebola and Corona
He said that there is a big difference between Ebola and Corona. Corona spread rapidly through the air, while Ebola spread through the blood, body secretions or direct contact of an infected person. It is a matter of relief that in Ebola the infection does not spread before symptoms appear. Therefore, it can be controlled to a great extent through thermal screening and timely testing.
Giving the example of the Ebola crisis of 2014-16, Dr. Sujit Singh said that during that time a patient was found in India. After the virus was found in his body, he was monitored for several months and was sent home only after it was completely negative. He said that in the beginning, Ebola may have symptoms like normal fever and weakness, but in severe cases, bleeding starts through mouth or stool, which proves fatal.
This virus comes from bats to humans
According to Dr. Singh, this virus comes from bats to humans and then spreads from human to human. The elderly, children and people already suffering from serious diseases are most at risk. The Health Ministry has advised people to avoid non-essential travel to countries where there is an Ebola outbreak. If travel is necessary, avoid coming in contact with infected or suspected people and monitor your health after returning.
Government preparations
A meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group has been held on behalf of the government. Health Ministry, NCDC and state officials are continuously monitoring the situation. Thermal screening, isolation rooms and quarantine arrangements are being reviewed at 33 airports and entry points of the country. Although experts say that at present the risk of it spreading on a large scale in India is less, but people need to be alert and not panic.
