HEALTH ALERT: AVOIDING EBOLA (Message from UNILAG Pharmaceuticals Limited)

Ebola disease, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, derives its name from Ebola River in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where it was first discovered in 1976. the disease is severe and deadly; affecting humans and primates. It is caused by a virus belonging to the family – FILOVIRIDAE. Transmission: Human to human transmission is by close contact with infected body fluids or through infected needles in hospitals. Bats and monkeys are believed to most likely be the known reservoir. Incubation period is within a week after infection, 2 weeks in rear cases. Symptoms include: Arthritis, chills, fatigue, Low back pain, diarrhea, fever, headaches, malaise, nausea, sore throat and vomiting. Late Symptoms include: Eye Swelling (conjunctivitis), Bleeding from the nose, eyes, ears and rectum, Genital swelling, rash all over the body with hemorrhage, redness in roof of the mouth (palate) and increased feeling of pain on the skin. Treatment: No known cure. Just supporting measures like fluid/Electrolyte replacement, blood transmission etc. Prevention: Knowing how deadly this virus is, it is necessary to keep clean habits and adopt precautionary acts by: · Hand washing: this is the most important precaution for the prevention of infection. Wash at least 10 seconds from palm to elbow if possible, between fingers concentrating on nails etc with antiseptic soap. Establish routine hand washing habits. · Providing 1:100 bleach-water solution in all rest rooms and departments. · Disinfecting waste baskets regularly. · Cleaners/Office-Assistants must always use hand gloves. · Disinfecting bath/cleaning water. · Handling and disposing sharp instruments safely and properly. · Cutting soap into small pieces for individual use if hand-wash liquid is not available.  · NOT sharing hand towels rather use disposable ones if possible or go about with personal handkerchiefs. · Using HAND SANITIZERS. This is particularly more useful when soap and water are not readily available. GET HAND SANITIZERS FOR YOURSELF & LOVED ONES TODAY. For more counseling sessions please contact the Pharmacist at UNILAG Pharmaceuticals Limited (formerly known as UNILAG Community Pharmacy), next to the bus terminus, UNILAG Main Campus, Akoka.