Ebola Is Here in Dallas Now

Common Sense Commentary: Two cases of Ebola, contacted by two U.S. doctors treating it in Africa, were allowed to return to the states to be treated, but they were highly sequestered in isolation and both recovered without anyone else being infected. This new case is someone who was infected overseas  and brought it into the U.S. as they returned home on an airliner... not in isolation. We will know within a few days if anyone else contacted it from this person. Here are a few tips to protect yourself ... just in case it gets loose here in America. RB


News 92 Houston, Texas

Ebola Virus Symptoms and Prevention Tips
 Sep 30, 2014 By Brandon De Hoyos


With the confirmation of the first U.S. patient to test positive for the Ebola virus, concern about symptoms and how to prevent infection is likely to be at the forefront of people’s minds. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control, said in August that the risk of an outbreak in the U.S. is considered very low, as patients become contagious only when symptoms are shown and that American hospitals are well equipped to isolate cases to control the spread of the virus. SEE ALSO: Dallas Hospital Patient Tests Positive for Ebola The early signs and symptoms of the Ebola virus include: Fever Severe headache Joint and muscle aches Chills Weakness Symptoms may become increasingly severe over time, the Mayo Clinic said, with additional symptoms present, including: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea (may be bloody) Red eyes Raised rash Chest pain and cough Stomach pain Severe weight loss Bleeding, usually from the eyes, and bruising (people near death may bleed from other orifices, such as ears, nose and rectum) Internal bleeding There is no vaccine for the Ebola virus as of this time, but scientists and researchers are working on a variety of drugs that could one day combat the Ebola virus. The best means of prevention are similar to those  you would practice to prevent the common cold or the flu, and it starts at your bathroom sink. Thoroughly washing your hands, and practicing good hygiene with soap and water, is a good first step to preventing infection. An alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60 percent alcohol is an alternative when soap and water isn’t available. Other Ebola virus prevention tips including: Avoiding travel to areas with known outbreaks Refraining from eating bush meat from developing nations, especially those where Ebola virus has been found Avoid contact with infected people, including their body fluids and tissues. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, masks, gowns and eye shields if you are a health care worker. Dispose of needles and sterilize other instruments regularly to prevent infection. Do not touch or handle the bodies of people who have died of the Ebola virus. Remember, people with Ebola virus are most contagious in the later states of the disease, as symptoms become evident, the Mayo Clinic said.