AS THE cases of Ebola are on the rise in some parts of the world, the Ministry of Health is assuring Guyanese here that there are stringent restrictions on entry to Guyana. 

In a release yesterday, Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran noted that there are stringent restrictions on entry to Guyana by persons, who may pose a threat to the health of the nation by the importation of the Ebola virus.
INTERNATIONAL CONCERN
The entry restrictions would apply particularly with regard to citizens and visitors from West African countries where the disease is currently raging and represents a public health threat of international concern.
Dr. Ramsaran noted that the MOH has maintained vigilance since and will continue to protect Guyana from this deadly virus.
Lately Guyana has upped the ante on various measures to ensure that the Ebola virus remains out of the country.
There have so far been improvements at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), training of staff members of the GPHC on how to handle cases of Ebola, etc…
Since the deadly virus resurrected earlier this year in West Africa, it has so far spread to other countries, including one of the most dominant countries in the world when it comes to travelling, the USA.
This has since made countries worldwide enhance their health sectors and also implement stricter measures at the various airports and hospitals in their countries.
A recent report from the WHO showed that there have so far been 8,997 cases, whereby 5,006 have been laboratory-confirmed cases and the total number of deaths thus far adding up to approximately 4,493.
As the rampant virus continues to cause chaos in some parts of the world, persons are urged not to panic, but just to be careful and also practice good hygiene.
ABOUT THE EBOLA VIRUS

According to the WHO, it is thought that fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are natural Ebola virus hosts. Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood,
Secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines were found ill or dead in the rainforest.
Some symptoms of the Ebola virus include high fever, headache, vomiting, sore throat, weakness, stomach pains and lack of appetite.
WHO also stated that supportive care-rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.
They also note that there is as yet no proven treatment available for the Ebola virus. However, a range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently being evaluated.
No licensed vaccines are available yet, but two potential vaccines are undergoing human safety testing.

(By Navendra Seoraj)