Cruise companies take Ebola precautions

It's not only the airlines that have been reacting to the Ebola epidemic.

Cruise companies have reportedly been cancelling stops in West Africa, and on the recommendation of the Cruise Lines International Association have introduced screening measures for both passengers and crew.

A recent press release by Princess Cruises explains the precautions they have taken. 

Glad to know that everyone seems to be doing all they can to control the problem.

Royal Princess - Princess Cruises

What is the Ebola virus?

What is the Ebola virus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease in humans, with an average fatality rate of 50%.

Ebola was first identified in rural areas of central Africa, but the recent outbreak in West Africa has affected both rural and urban areas.

Early care for a sufferer including rehydration has been shown to help survival rates, but as yet there are no no licensed vaccines. various therapies are under development to assist sufferers.

The WHO says that good outbreak control requires good surveillance and tracking, safe burials and social mobilisation.

Now some good news ....  the virus is only passed on through direct contact with an infected person's blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids including saliva, and through contact with surfaces contaminated with these fluids.

The incubation period for the virus is between 2 and 21 days, and humans are not infectious until the first symptoms appear.

First symptoms are the sudden onset of rapid fever fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.  This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea and rash.

Exercising common sense, good hygiene procedures, separating the sick from the healthy and the prompt and safe burial of the dead will all help to ensure that the outbreak is contained and eliminated.

WHO/N. Alexander