August 8th, 2014 -- The Ministry of Health, St. Kitts and Nevis, wishes to inform the general public that health officials on both islands are closely monitoring the Ebola situation in parts of West Africa in conjunction with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Global Alert and Response Network of the World Health Organization (WHO).
There is no need for fear, alarm and panic.
Ebola is derived from a region near the Ebola River in Zaire where it was first identified. It is a viral illness spread by direct contact with the blood and other secretions of an infected person, and exposure to objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with infected secretions. It can be spread by unprotected sexual intercourse. It is not spread by air, food, water, rodents or mosquitoes.
There is no vaccine and no medicine cure.
Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and lack of appetite. Internal and external bleeding may also occur.
Medical treatment is focused on supporting the body’s vital functions with IV fluids and electrolytes, oxygen and blood transfusions. Antibiotics are used if there is an accompanying bacterial infection.
Infected persons do recover from Ebola. As with all illnesses, much depends on the strength of the person's immune system. Key ingredients include good hygiene and sanitation, a balanced diet based on vegetable, provisions and fruits, regular exercise and adequate rest.
Prevention and control measures are concentrated on containing the spread of the virus through isolation of sick persons, quarantine of persons who are exposed but not sick, and education about good personal hygiene and sanitation practices. Affected countries are working in unison with the substantial support from the global community.
In a statement issued August 8, WHO did not recommend a general travel ban to the affected areas. However, travel restrictions apply to persons classified as Ebola cases or contacts.
CARPHA has assessed the Caribbean to be “low risk” for an Ebola outbreak. In the Federation, guidance information will continue to be circulated to the public and private health sectors to enable health care workers to identify and manage the disease, and to protect themselves from exposure, in the unlikely event of an outbreak.
The Ministry of Health will update the public as warranted. Residents may also consult the websites of CARPHA and PAHO/WHO for reference information.
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