Family physician answers questions related to Ebola virus

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the outbreak of Ebola in four West African countries is one of the largest outbreaks of the disease in history. Although the risk of acquiring Ebola in the United States is extremely low, the response to control the spread of the disease and treat people who are infected, has become an international concern.

The CDC has been educating health professionals on the disease's symptoms and treatment, and providing guidance to health centers and hospitals on controlling the spread of the disease as a precaution in case a patient has the symptoms of Ebola. As a result, infectious disease experts and emergency response personnel are reviewing and revising standard practices as a proactive measure.

Dr. Mafudia Suaray, a family physician at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, has a personal interest in the Ebola outbreak and is helping to raise awareness about the disease. Born in Sierra Leone, one of the four countries in West Africa with the highest mortality rates from Ebola, Dr. Suaray has been educating family and friends, as well as fellow expatriates of West African countries. Suaray is hoping that they, in turn, will discuss the symptoms of Ebola and how to prevent infection, with their family and friends in affected areas of Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea and Liberia. She answers some of the common questions about this new international health crisis:

Question: What is Ebola?

Dr. Suaray: Ebola is a virus that causes an infection within the body. It is carried by fruit bats and, similar to H1N1 flu, has been transmitted from animals to humans. At the moment, there is no cure for the disease, although an experimental treatment is being tested.

Question: How is the virus spread?

Dr. Suaray: The virus is spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids, including saliva, tears, sweat, urine, blood, stool and semen - it is not spread through the air. Anyone who comes in contact with a person who has Ebola or comes in contact with supplies that have been infected, such as needles, clothing or sheets, can contract the virus. It is important to emphasize that the virus cannot be spread through contact with intact skin and a person must have symptoms of the disease to spread it to others.

What is the risk of contracting Ebola?

Dr. Suaray: In the United States, the risk of contracting the disease is very low, especially as a result of the Level 3 Travel warning issued by the CDC asking citizens to restrict nonessential travel. If you have not travelled to one of the countries where there is an outbreak, or if you have not been in contact with someone who has travelled to West Africa, then you are not at risk for contracting Ebola. However, if someone has travelled to West Africa or to a country that has not implemented travel restrictions, they should be aware of the symptoms of Ebola, which can appear as soon as 48 hours after someone has become infected, but may take up to 21 days. Patients with symptoms and a travel history to West Africa or Nigeria should contact their physician.

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Dr. Suaray: People who are infected with the Ebola virus will experience a high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, headache, muscle or body aches, and in some cases there may be a rash or bleeding. People who have some of these symptoms, but have not traveled to West Africa or Nigeria, nor have been in contact with someone who has, should not be concerned about Ebola. They should contact their physician, however, as the symptoms could be another illness, such as the flu.

Question: What are precautions people can take if they are concerned?

Dr. Suaray: Common sense preventive measures should always be a priority - whether for Ebola or for more common illnesses such as the cold and flu. First, always wash your hands. This can't be emphasized enough. If you have a fever, then you are contagious and therefore should stay home to prevent infecting others; for a very high fever you should seek immediate medical attention. Also, cover your face when you cough or sneeze, preferably with a tissue or your arm, to prevent the spread of germs. Healthcare professionals should follow infection control standards provided by the CDC. If someone does have to travel to an infected region, they should discuss preventive measures with physicians who are experts in travel medicine.

Source: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School