The current epidemic of Ebola virus disease is being called the most severe outbreak since the virus was discovered in 1976. Since this Ebola outbreak began in Guinea in early 2014, the number of cases has surpassed anything ever experienced before.

Although the outbreak is mainly confined to West Africa, many people around the world are worried that the disease will spread, and the World Health Organization has declared the Ebola epidemic an ‘international public health emergency’.

Ebola in South Africa

Since 21 August, South Africa has instituted a travel ban for non-citizens arriving from Ebola-hit countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, although the African Union has called for travel restrictions to be lifted, hoping to ease the economic impact of the virus on the continent.

As yet, there have been no cases in South Africa, and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has assured the public that 11 designated hospitals around the country are fully equipped to deal with a potential Ebola outbreak.

If Ebola does come to South Africa, how do you protect yourself?

Protecting yourself against Ebola

South Africans can take comfort in the fact that the likelihood of contracting Ebola is very low – not only because there have been no reported cases of Ebola in the country, but because the risk of transmission itself is quite low.

The virus is not airborne but, rather, is spread through direct physical contact with the bodily fluids – such as urine and blood– of people who have become infected with or died from Ebola virus disease.

Identifying symptoms and reaching your nearest hospital to receive treatment is the best way to protect yourself and your community.

Symptoms of Ebola

The time between being infected with the virus and the onset of Ebola symptoms (known as the incubation period) is 2 to 21 days. If it’s possible that you have come into contact with an Ebola patient, watch out for the following symptoms:

• high fever
• muscle and joint pain
• intense weakness
• sore throat
• headache
• rash
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• haemorrhaging

Many of these Ebola symptoms are similar to other diseases – such as malaria, cholera and typhoid fever – so your doctor will run tests to rule these out before diagnosing Ebola virus disease.

Treating Ebola

Although several vaccines are being tested, there is no licensed vaccine for Ebola virus disease.

The good news is that the survival rate for this particular outbreak of Ebola is higher than previous outbreaks, with 47% of people pulling through. If you do contract the disease, it is particularly important that you receive intensive care, where you’ll be treated for dehydration with intravenous fluids or orally, with electrolyte solutions.

If anyone you know seems to be suffering from Ebola symptoms, you should seek medical assistance immediately. At Fedhealth, we want to educate our members on any health risks that exist, so that you can safeguard your own life, as well as the lives of loved ones.

The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.