Myth: Ebola can be treated with antibiotics, chewing large quantity of bitter kola, onions, or drinking condensed milk. Truth: Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections. At present, there is neither a cure nor a vaccine for the Ebola virus. Instead, there is an experimental serum called ZMapp, which contains antibodies designed to help block the virus. Before the 2014 Ebola outbreak, it was only tested on monkeys and has not been approved for human use. Myth: Ebola liquefies your organs, which causes bleeding from the orifices. Truth:Ebola symptoms can include bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. However, the body’s organs are not liquefied. Once the Ebola virus makes its way into the body, it gets in the body’s cells and replicates itself. Then it produces a protein that is called ebolavirus glycoprotein, and attaches to the cells on the inside of the blood vessels. This increases permeability of the blood vessels, leading to blood “leaking out” of the vessels. Even people who do not show hemorrhagic symptoms will experience this leaking of blood from the vessels. The continuous loss of blood will eventually lead to shock and ultimately death. To reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community, close contact with infected patients, particularly with their bodily fluids need to be avoided. Also, do not touch sick people who show symptoms of Ebola, such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches and sometimes heavy bleeding. Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 07:57:40 +0000