Ebola Virus Disease: an African epidemic that threatens us too
In March 2014 the first cases of EVD were notified, since then there is an increasing global concern. This outbreak represents the biggest one, with the highest mortality and has affected several countries. The virus is transmitted from its natural host (infected fruit bats) or other infected animals to the human and then between humans by direct contact with infected bodily fluids (through broken skin or mucous membranes). At present, there is no validated specific treatment for humans with EVD, so prevention is a key step in the fight against this epidemic. The World Health Organization counts with a website specially dedicated to facts and prevention measures that is periodically updated. Several Guidelines for healthcare workers were designed. The American College of Surgeons has published a Surgical Protocol for Possible or Confirmed Ebola Cases, the main recommendation is not to perform elective procedures, and to analyze the balance of risk-benefit in a case of a surgical emergency. The Hospital Clínic is the designated health care center in Catalonia for patients with suspected or confirmed EVD. In the video Antoni Trilla Chief of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology of this institution, talks about the essentials of the disease, the risk that it represents for Europe and the special features that prepares the Hospital Clínic for taking care of these cases.
