Ebola would be contained if it reached Britain, senior ministers insisted last night as they promised more help to fight the deadly outbreak of the virus in west Africa.
Training, equipment and supplies for health workers in Liberia and Sierra Leone were pledged by ministers after a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee decided that the “logical approach” was to help African countries fight the virus.
Doctors remain on alert for signs of ebola infection in people who have returned from west Africa. Health officials said that the outbreak there was not under control and could be brought into
What is Ebola?
A virus first identified in 1976, which has so far killed 2,262 people in central and west Africa. It is thought to exist naturally in fruit bats, with humans becoming infected through bat blood or contact with the bodily fluids of monkeys or primates which have the disease.
What are the symptoms?
Fever, headache, muscle pain and sore throat are the early symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish from other infections. They are followed by diarrhoea, vomiting and bleeding from the mouth and elsewhere.
How dangerous is it?
Most people affected die. The direct cause is often multiple organ failure caused by dehydration after about ten days of symptoms. In the current outbreak 56 per cent of people infected have died.
How is it spread?
Through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, which can come via clothes or other objects. This means family members of the sick and health workers are most at risk if they are not wearing protective clothing. The disease incubates for about two weeks before symptoms appear, meaning it can be spread before people know they are sick. However, unlike flu, it is not passed on through coughs and sneezes, making it less likely to spread quickly around the world.
Will that change?
The virus has remained genetically stable since it was identified, suggesting it is unlikely to mutate to a more dangerous form.
How is it treated?
There is no treatment other than keeping patients hydrated and hoping they recover. Outbreaks are fought by trying to isolate affected areas and burying bodies quickly.