Several IAMU members have asked for guidance tips on the recognition and prevention of Ebola. Ebola is a virus that compromises the immune system and, depending on our bodily response, causes Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF). Ebola is typically spread through contact with blood or body fluids or from an infected person but aerosolized droplets may also carry the virus. Although the risk of contracting EHF at this time is extremely low, it is important to note that there is no approved vaccine, antiviral therapy or, once contracted, effective treatment Ebola.
Symptoms of Ebola can appear between 2 to 21 days; it begins with flu-like symptoms, chest pain, red eyes, skin rash, jaundice, hiccups, and bleeding. In fatal cases, symptoms progress over one to two weeks until the patient dies in shock or in a coma. Patients who recover may remain infectious even after symptoms abate.
To date, there have been three confirmed cases of EHF in the U.S. with five other patients brought here for treatment. Two of the confirmed cases were healthcare workers who were caring for a patient that had contracted Ebola in Africa. As with all viruses, frequent hand washing and not touching the body fluids of a sick person are the best ways to protect yourself.
Both OSHA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have guidance and recommendations for the prevention of Ebola. The following link is to the CDC’s Ebola page http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/ and provides the most up-to-date information on EHF. OSHA’s Ebola Safety and Health page may be found at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ebola/control_prevention.html . OSHA’s Ebola page also has a guidance document that may be downloaded in pdf format, Cleaning and Decontamination of Ebola on Surfaces.
To date, there have been three confirmed cases of EHF in the U.S. with five other patients brought here for treatment. Two of the confirmed cases were healthcare workers who were caring for a patient that had contracted Ebola in Africa. As with all viruses, frequent hand washing and not touching the body fluids of a sick person are the best ways to protect yourself.
Both OSHA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have guidance and recommendations for the prevention of Ebola. The following link is to the CDC’s Ebola page http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/ and provides the most up-to-date information on EHF. OSHA’s Ebola Safety and Health page may be found at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ebola/control_prevention.html . OSHA’s Ebola page also has a guidance document that may be downloaded in pdf format, Cleaning and Decontamination of Ebola on Surfaces.
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