Trending this week on Ebola

Ebola a new STD?

After weeks of research it is still not clear as to whether or not the Ebola virus is transmitted via the semen during sexual intercourse. Although a few cases of the virus still being found in the semen after recovery has been identified, in the latest case it was found in the semen 82 days post recovery.

It has therefore become imperative for the ABC of sex education to be reiterated at this point.

Abstaining from sexual intercourse, being faithful to one partner and the use of condoms have helped in the past to reduce the rates of transmission of HIV and other STDs.

Hence, all male Ebola survivors are advised to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 3 months after recovery.

Women are urged to encourage their partners to use condoms if they must engage in sexual intercourse.

It has also been discovered that the virus may remain in the eyes for weeks after recovery, and can lead to blindness.

However, it has not been found in tears, and has therefore not been found as a means of transmission. 

The WHO on Tuesday predicted that it may take the whole of 2015 to eradicate the ongoing Ebola crisis in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

This was attributed to the diminishing of the funds needed to combat the virus.

Another factor is the rainy season which should peak in June and July and may make it difficult to reach some of the areas where transmission of the virus is still on going.

Last week there were 12 new cases of Ebola in both countries, which is an improvement from the 36 new cases of the week before the last.

The new cases have been found to be concentrated in two regions of both countries.

Efforts are ongoing to see to it that the two countries get to zero cases soon enough.

A total of over 27000 cases have been reported since the outbreak began and over 11000 people have died.

The WHO is concerned about the laxity of the world at large over the Ebola crisis at this point and has warned that the Ebola epidemic is not over yet.

The WHO fears that if care is not taken given the current perception of the general public the virus may still spread to neighboring nations.

Perhaps there are lessons to be learned from Ivory Coast;

a country that is surrounded by the three worst affected nations, and has managed to be Ebola free.

Not a single case of Ebola has been reported within the borders of Ivory Coast till date.

The people have been following the precautionary measures doled out by their government.

An early awareness campaign at the onset of the crisis helped to educate the people and prevent Ebola within the borders of Ivory Coast.

The people were encouraged to minimize bodily contacts.

Hand shaking was stopped and hand washing materials were put at the entrance of public places and homes, the people stopped eating meat and sale of meat was banned in the country, people were advised to go out only when necessary and many avoid eating in other people's homes.

The customary embrace after worship services in churches and mosques too have ceased.

Borders were closed and strictly monitored by uniformed men.

These as well as an intense awareness campaign through the TV, health talks, posters, music, Internet and the social media have helped to prevent an Ebola outbreak in Ivory Coast.

This Nation has thus far proved to be exemplary in keeping the virus out, other nations in the region can learn from the Ivorians.