Woman from Sudan under observation at Kottayam MCH for Ebola infection

KOTTAYAM: A 52-year-old woman, who arrived from South Sudan is suspected to have Ebola. She is presently under observation at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital. She had sought treatment at a private hospital in Pala for fever yesterday. The health department intervened on suspicion and shifted her to the medical college hospital.

A special team has been entrusted to monitor her in the isolation ward. She does not have any other symptoms of Ebola. The hospital authorities said that there is a slight variation in her fever. The samples collected have been sent to a laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram. Only after getting the results, it can be confirmed whether it is Ebola. Hospital authorities said that a medical board will be formed to decide on further treatment.

Ebola is a viral disease that can cause fatal infections. Fruit bats are the main carriers of this virus. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with the body fluids of infected humans or animals. Symptoms start appearing within two to 21 days after the virus enters the body. Symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the disease is severe, internal organ damage and bleeding can occur. Early treatment increases the chances of saving lives.