8 things you need to know about Ebola

8. EBOLA MAY HAVE NO CURE, BUT IT CAN BE PREVENTED

First line of prevention is awareness on the need for humans to avoid contact with fruit bats and monkeys/apes. The consumption of their raw meat should also be stopped. These will help to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.

Everyone who has reason to touch animals should do so with gloves or any other appropriate protective clothing. Animal products should also be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

As for human-to-human transmission, close physical contact with Ebola patients should be avoided. Health workers must always wear gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment when tending to patients. They should also wash their hands regularly after attending to them.

Ebola infections and deaths should be promptly reported to health and government authorities, and people who have died from Ebola should be buried immediately.