How Dangerous Is The Bundibugyo Strain Of Ebola: The new outbreak of Ebola virus spread in Congo and Uganda in Africa has increased concern around the world. The World Health Organization has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This time, the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is being said to be behind the infection, which has taken the lives of many people. In such a situation, fear has increased in many countries including India whether this virus can become a threat here too.

How does this disease spread?

According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola is a very serious and in many cases fatal disease, which is spread by direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person. This includes blood, vomit, sweat, saliva, urine and other fluids from the body. Experts say that this virus does not spread as fast in the air as Covid-19, but the risk of infection is very high after coming in contact with an infected person.

Can this cause loss of life?

According to WHO, Bundibugyo virus is part of the Orthoebolavirus family and causes Ebola disease. The mortality rate of this virus can be 80 to 90 percent. According to reports, more than 80 people have died in this outbreak so far, while the number of suspected cases is increasing rapidly.

What are its initial symptoms?

According to doctors, the initial symptoms of Ebola may look like normal viral fever. This includes high fever, body ache, weakness, headache and sore throat. But as the disease progresses, serious symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and bleeding inside and outside the body start appearing in the patient. In many cases, there may be blood in vomit and stool, bleeding from nose and gums. The virus can also affect the brain, causing confusion, irritability and aggressive behavior in the patient.

Read this also- Vitamin D Deficiency: Does body ache and bad mood go away without any reason, is this happening due to deficiency of this vitamin?

What is the situation in India?

At present no case of Ebola has been reported in India. The Health Ministry and the National Center for Disease Control are continuously monitoring the situation. Experts say that there is no need to panic, but it is very important to remain alert. Dr. Randeep Guleria said that Ebola is different from Covid-19 because it spreads mainly through direct contact with infected body fluids, whereas Covid spread rapidly through air and respiratory droplets. This is the reason why Ebola infection spreads more through limited contact, but its severity is considered much higher.

How can we prevent this?

Experts are advising people to avoid contact with the blood, clothes, bedding or medical equipment of an infected person. Along with this, people returning from affected countries should monitor their health for 21 days. Doctors say that timely identification and strict monitoring is the biggest way to stop the spread of this virus.

Read this also – Heart Fights Cancer: The heart is beating, that is, it is fighting cancer, new study gives hope

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Ebola Virus: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the rapidly spreading Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda an international public health emergency. This infection is spreading due to Bundibugyo virus, which is considered a dangerous strain of Ebola virus.

This strain is different from the previously spread Zaire strain. The Bundibugyo strain first appeared in the Bundibugyo district of Uganda in 2007-2008. At that time this virus had infected more than 116 people and about 34 to 40 percent of the patients died. Now, for the 17th time, Ebola outbreak has occurred in Ituri province of DRC, but this time the concern has increased due to the different type of virus. The biggest challenge is that no specific vaccine or medicine is yet available for this strain.

Different strains of Ebola, but threat remains

According to experts, there are many types of Ebola virus, but large-scale infection in humans spreads mainly through Zaire, Sudan and Bundibugyo strains. The Zaire strain is considered to be the most deadly, with a mortality rate of 60 to 90 percent. Whereas Bundibugyo strain is considered relatively less fatal, but in this also 32 to 40 percent deaths have been recorded. In some cases this figure has reached 50 percent. Health experts say that the death rate can change depending on the patient’s age, health condition, availability of treatment and severity of the infection.

Virus spreads through forests

According to the report, this virus is naturally present in the dense tropical forests of DRC. Scientists believe that wild animals like bats can be the main source of this virus. This virus can spread very fast and can kill many people if timely treatment is not received.

flu like initial symptoms

The symptoms of all strains of Ebola are almost similar. Initially the patient feels high fever, headache, body and joint pain, weakness and fatigue. After a few days, problems like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache and sore throat start. As the disease progresses, bleeding starts from the eyes, gums and other parts of the body. In many cases, injury-like marks appear on the body and the patient starts having difficulty in breathing. In serious conditions, organs may stop functioning. Symptoms of infection may appear within 2 to 21 days.

Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids such as blood, vomit, diarrhea and saliva. The risk of infection remains high even when touching the dead body of a dead person or during rituals related to the last rites. However, this virus does not spread through air, water or insects.

No treatment, only care, support

There is currently no specific antiviral drug or vaccine available for the Bundibugyo strain. Treatment is mainly based on patient care. Doctors compensate for the deficiency of water and electrolytes in the patient’s body. Medicines for fever and pain are given. Antibiotics, oxygen support and blood transfusion are also done if needed. Experts say that if the patient is isolated in the hospital and treatment is started at the initial stage, then his chances of survival increase significantly.

WHO increased monitoring

WHO and local health agencies are emphasizing on identifying people who came in contact with infected people, isolating patients and ensuring safe funerals. The organization has said that instead of banning international travel, there is a need to increase screening, border monitoring and awareness. People coming from infected areas have been advised to be monitored for 21 days.

Increased concern in border areas

Experts say that security challenges exist in the areas bordering DRC and Uganda, which may affect investigation and control operations. Concern has increased due to some cases being reported in big cities like Kinshasa and Kampala. WHO has instructed all neighboring countries to remain alert. Although it is not considered a global epidemic at present, health agencies have appealed to people to exercise caution.