How to Best Prevent Ebola Infections

Prevention of Ebola virus infection

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) the control and prevention of Ebola virus is based on three pillars:

     Control the infection in animals: there are currently no vaccines designed to prevent infection with the Ebola-Reston virus in animals, which is why we should apply chemical methods of disinfection using sodium hypochlorite and other detergents regularly in farm animals as monkeys and pigs. Suspecting outbreak of any animal should be quarantined or may even sacrifice themselves to prevent transmission to humans.
     Reducing the risk of human infection: the absence of a human vaccine nor specific treatment against infection with Ebola virus education of the population at risk is a key weapon. You must implement awareness campaigns on the various risk factors and protective measures against them. In some African countries, an outbreak of Ebola happen reporting mechanisms and dissemination of messages are activated to reduce the risks of transmission, which should focus on the following aspects:
 

•          Reduce contact with wild animals that may be infected as apes, monkeys and some bats. Avoid eating raw meat.
•          Use of gloves and protective clothing when handling animals.
•          Use gloves, masks and gowns for special lower the risk of transmission from person to person as a result of close contact with infected people, particularly their body fluids.
•          Wash hands frequently, especially after visiting sick relatives in hospital and after caregiving in the home.
•          Disseminate messages informing the public about the characteristics of the disease and outbreak control measures, including burial of the deceased.

     Prevent Ebola infection in health centers: this refers to the use of isolation measures and use of necessary equipment (gloves, masks, gowns) to reduce the risk of transmission from patients to health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians who handle blood and other body fluids of patients infected with the virus.