Tuesday, August 5, 2014

101 on Ebola

Perhaps you have been reading about Ebola in the news.  In my opinion, the scariest thing about Ebola is the fatality rate (up to 90%) and the fact that there is still no definitive treatment nor vaccine for it.  Don't want to create unnecessary worry but I believe having some understanding is key in prevention of spread.

So what is it?
It is a disease caused by a virus and used to be called Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

What are the symptoms?

  • sudden onset of fever
  • intense weakness
  • muscle pain
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • rash
  • impaired liver and kidney function
  • sometimes internal and external bleeding
How do you get it?
transmitted originally from wild animals then human spread by:
  • blood
  • secretions
  • organs
  • other bodily fluids
How do you treat?
often requires intensive support.  There is yet no definitive drug treatment.

How do you prevent?
Since there is no vaccine yet, best way to avoid spread in humans is by raising awareness.  Avoiding close contact with infected or suspected infected persons is key.  Health care workers have to implement extra precautions with protective garments and other measures.

Can read more about it here at the WHO website.


The two Americans who got infected with Ebola both worked as missionaries in Africa treating patients infected with the virus.  This tugs at my heart because doing missions played a key role in my decision to become a physician.  Here is an article by CMDA about Dr Kent Brantly, one of the Americans who is infected with Ebola.  After reading the article this verse keeps echoing in my head...

"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."  - Philippians 1:21

Monday, August 4, 2014

Sunscreens and Kids

Been crazy busy... I've been finding no time to post!  Summer is flying by.  Here is a short blog to get some info out  Caution and avoid if possible when using spray sunscreen on kids!  See this link.

If you are like me... it's so much easier to spray than it is to keep wiggly giggly kids still and apply lotion sunscreen.  However, we are reserving sprays for beach time only now...

Have a great rest of the summer!  Come on weather... we need more sun...