Saturday, December 27, 2014

Sexual harassment and rape on campus
When I started thinking about writing on the topic of hazing on campuses and its psychological implications, I had to stop and think of something more severe and tragic that impacts the life of a victim. No its not bullying, although it is an important issue but not so common at the college campuses. As I was doing my research on the subject matter, too many stories unfolded and too many people did not want to talk about it. After all, sexual harassment and rape are uncomfortable topics and it becomes even more daunting when it’s about “at college campuses”.

I want to take up a reported case of a University of Virginia’s incident. I am omitting names of the people involved, bullying was not the first step, it was the subtle deception enveloped in an intimidating invitation to the party at the fraternity house- a powerhouse of testosterone. It involved consumption of alcohol and possibly sedatives, deceiving a female student who was gang raped after given the drink. The school ignored the complaint as it seems like a pattern with some schools to ignore such things or their inability to deal with the issues. Take the case of a school that has some stories buried under the historic cathedral like buildings; Yes I am talking about Yale, which on a first look gives a sense of piety, wisdom and sanctuary. In both cases of UV and Yale, it is reported that complaints, protests and repeated pleas for justice were ignored and rather frowned upon.   
  
The irony of the issue is that sometime campus rape is classified as “date rape”, as if somehow the rapist is not a criminal but out of heat of the passion committed the crime against his “date”, presumably who may have had consensual sex anyway? So the “date” rapist gets his image softened up and we talk about it with less disgust and outrage. This is particularly true when it comes to the fraternities of collages. Why-we should ask ourselves? Why is rape not a crime of constitutional violation of the right to be safe and live in dignity as a free person and pursue happiness, why isn't it considered terrorism against an individual and torture along with sexual battery? Why isn't the book thrown on the rapist for the violation of basic human rights? Why are those laws reserved for political issues and not the crimes inflicted on individuals?  

There is a short distance between date rape and sexual harassment. Date rape is defined as physical sexual violation and battery against a victim and sexual harassment is interpreted as a psychological intimidation.  In the gang rape incident that involved Phi Kappa Psi on September 28, 2012 the fraternity shamelessly denied the charges and the Burden of shame was put upon the victim who is generally reluctant to come forward to begin with. It was swept under the blankets as fast as it appeared but a sexual harassment scandal unfolded at Yale. This is not the first one but who wants to talk about “Yale” in a negative manner, a university that produces presidents and executive management of the Government, powerful corporate Moguls and world leaders. So the sexual harassment complaints were also swept under the rugs or filed away in at least one case for decades according to a report. Different entities classify sexual harassment differently. It is wrongfully classified as sex discrimination in my opinion, which again softens the impact of the crime on a victim who generally in a subordinate position of need. Following is a definition of sexual harassment by EEOC;
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to the following:
·         The victim as well as the harasser may be a woman or a man. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.
·         The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee.
·         The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
·         Unlawful sexual harassment may occur without economic injury to or discharge of the victim.
·         The harasser's conduct must be unwelcome.
It is helpful for the victim to inform the harasser directly that the conduct is unwelcome and must stop. The victim should use any employer complaint mechanism or grievance system available.
When investigating allegations of sexual harassment, EEOC looks at the whole record: the circumstances, such as the nature of the sexual advances, and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. A determination on the allegations is made from the facts on a case-by-case basis.
Prevention is the best tool to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to take steps necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring. They should clearly communicate to employees that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. They can do so by providing sexual harassment training to their employees and by establishing an effective complaint or grievance process and taking immediate and appropriate action when an employee files a complaint.
It is also unlawful to retaliate against an individual for opposing employment practices that discriminate based on sex or for filing a discrimination charge, testifying, or participating in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or litigation under Title VII.
United States Department of State has instituted the following policy;
The Department of State is committed to providing a workplace that is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace is against the law and will not be tolerated. When the Department determines that an allegation of sexual harassment is credible, it will take prompt and appropriate corrective action.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
1)  An employment decision affecting that individual is made because the individual submitted to or rejected the unwelcome conduct; or
2)  The unwelcome conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work environment.
Certain behaviors, such as conditioning promotions, awards, training or other job benefits upon acceptance of unwelcome actions of a sexual nature, are always wrong.
Unwelcome actions such as the following are inappropriate and, depending on the circumstances, may in and of themselves meet the definition of sexual harassment or contribute to a hostile work environment:
·         Sexual pranks, or repeated sexual teasing, jokes, or innuendo, in person or via e-mail;
·         Verbal abuse of a sexual nature;
·         Touching or grabbing of a sexual nature;
·         Repeatedly standing too close to or brushing up against a person;
·         Repeatedly asking a person to socialize during off-duty hours when the person has said no or has indicated he or she is not interested (supervisors in particular should be careful not to pressure their employees to socialize);
·         Giving gifts or leaving objects that are sexually suggestive;
·         Repeatedly making sexually suggestive gestures;
·         Making or posting sexually demeaning or offensive pictures, cartoons or other materials in the workplace;
·         Off-duty, unwelcome conducts of a sexual nature that affects the work environment.

How to safeguard yourself from Sexual harassment & Sexual misconduct of any degree at the campus or work place?

1.      Set the limits: It has become fashionable for girls to act cool by using profanity and acting tough, this gives an opening for the boys to sometime cross the limits and begin the process. There are cases that a victim does not even know the subtle harassment until it becomes an obvious issue of disturbance. Be who you are but do not try to fit in by giving your standards.
2.      Admonish the perpetrator: Make sure that you communicate your displeasure clearly and what is not welcomed by you and for him/her to stop that behavior. Try to do that in public and in the presence of the witnesses.
3.      Do not participate: Do not respond to the pranks, jokes and comments which seem  inappropriate and unacceptable to you
4.      Protect yourself: meet friends in public and stay in groups. Do not be a superwoman. Use caution and always be on a look out for stalkers and unfamiliar faces around campuses. Report to campus security and police for any person or activities. The worst thing that could happen as a result of your over reaction is a false alarm but the best thing is that you could save your and others lives.
5.      Information of your whereabouts: Inform your friends and family members of your whereabouts and approximate time of your activities so they worry about an unusual delay and try to contact you.
6.      Know your rights:  It is important to know your basic legal rights and do not get intimidated by the power of the perpetrator, every pharaoh eventually drowns so do not put yourself in a compromising position and do not compromise your principles. Sexual harassment is not a normal behavior of any culture and it is not acceptable. Why did I talk about sexual assault and harassment in the same articles? Because they are close relatives and they both can leave the same psychological impact on a victim. Stay safe!         



Saturday, December 20, 2014


Medical Tourism- A Health Journey
We define Medical Tourism as “Health Journey”. After all, people suffering from medical conditions are traditionally discouraged to travel as it involves discomfort and many risks but sometime patient’s conditions are so acute that patient or the caretakers decide to take this leap for survival or better health conditions than status quo.
Lead My World’s Health Management Model
LMW is positioned on higher grounds of this profession. We develop medical coaching and certification programs for universities, we train doctors and collaborate with teaching hospitals and healthcare facilities. Our executive management is comprised of medical doctors. We have established collaborative relations with the hospitals of specialization in critical disciplines. We have instituted a strong patient referral program for those patients seeking alternative treatments and with the progressive hospitals to treat such patients. Our medical professional expertise and working at the grassroots level gives us leverage over people who use Medical Tourism strictly as a business. To us it’s about the value of life and a relentless pursuit of wellness.
HEALTH JOURNEY- MT BACKGROUND
Medical tourism is as old a phenomenon as human being started travelling out of their enclaves to discover certain tree roots and herbs for treatment and traveled across continents for it. Their journey was not necessitated by economics but the unavailability of medicine and the healers. Medical Tourism- while introduced as an alternative is becoming a mainstream Healthcare management field. According to Dr. J. Bhagwati of Columbia University, Americans have saved up to 75 Billion dollars in one year by taking advantage of MT Healthcare. Revenue attributed to MT for the year 2014 is at 65 Billion dollars according to a report published by “Frost & Sullivan Research”, and growing at the rate of 20%. Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinics have now setup their offshoots overseas for the purpose of savings of HC cost. We believe that China is one of the most advanced countries in the world, both technologically and in physician care with an added benefit of new innovations and holistic approach to Medical Tourism.            
WHY PEOPLE TRAVEL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
It is not easy to leave the comfort of your home and familiar environment in a situation when you do not even feel good but it’s a journey some of us must take- Leaving home involves financial, physical and psychological hardships but none of them are greater than the risk of not getting well. While information is readily available on our fingertips the renowned hospitals have also gotten closer in distance with global travelling trends. Travelling for wellness and health are no different from travelling for leisure. As a matter of fact it has now become “business as usual” for some. Following are a few reasons attributed to Medical Tourism;
Advanced medical technology (AMT): Hospitals in developed countries are generally equipped with state of the art technology which is not readily available in developing country’s hospitals. The technological know-how also gives an edge to the hospitals in the industrialized nations.
Advanced medical research and inventions: Industrialized nations invest into research and development, inventions and experiments to improve on healthcare experience. As a result they are far ahead of other countries in implementing such procedures. Cost effective Stem Cell research and organ implants are some of the prime example of such privileges which attract patients from other parts of the world developing and industrialized alike, to countries like China.
Legalities of medical procedures: An American interventional radiologist Dr. Charles Dotter experimented with a procedure to deliver a stent through a catheter to treat peripheral arterial disease in 1964. The experiment was successful Dr. Charles Dotter and Dr. Andreas Gruentzig experimented with the same procedure and found it not only successful but also a better option for reconditioning of body after surgical procedure. The procedures were not legalized yet and the medical doctors had to be creative about their practices in the beginning. Dr. Peter Dr. Richard Myler of Emory University Hospital mentioned once that he had to travel to Latin America to perform angioplasty procedure which after getting a legal approval revolutionized cardiac care. Not all countries allow some medical procedures because of lack of scientific data, bureaucracy or cultural taboos; as a result patients end up travelling to the countries not restricting healthcare procedures most suitable for the patients from abroad.
Economics of Healthcare: Some countries like China have lower healthcare cost than the others. China is a prime example of it. This makes destinations like China attractive and financially viable for the insurance companies. Patient and the family is rewarded with expenses paid residence and other allowances to get the treatment done abroad rather than in the USA or some European countries.
Patient & caretaker’s choice: It does not come as a surprise that the elite class of developing countries have the option to travel to the developed countries for medical treatment. This gives them the sense of empowerment that their wealth is working for them and that they can exercise the right to choose whatever they like. This market segment is small but with a bigger spending budge on their wellness. According to a report issued by Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta CDC approximately 1.2 Million Americans travel overseas for medical treatment each year. Some of the obvious reasons are;
·         Medical treatments are far less expensive overseas than in the USA
·         Insurance companies have started giving incentives to the families and caretakers of the patients where as they feel like they on vacation rather than being stuck with no options.
·         Some experimental drugs and procedures prohibited in the USA are already administered and institutionalized abroad. Medical professionals are not gun-shy of taking the risk and the societies are not litigation oriented as much as the Americans are. Most common procedures that people are coming to China for are;
o    Stem cell therapy
o    Organ implantation
o    Cosmetic surgery
o    Dental work
o    Heart surgery
o    Alternative cancer treatment
o    Orthopedic and sports medicine
o    Holistic and traditional medicine treatment for chronic diseases

RISKS OF MEDICAL TOURISM & RISK MANAGEMENT BY LMW
Anytime we come out of our comfort zone we involve risk due to our activities. Following a list of MT risks and how Lead My World addresses them:
·         Linguistic and cultural difference: It is a major risk to take especially when you are dealing with a life situation. LMW’s doctors and MT staff are all bilingual and professionally trained on cross cultural sensitivity.
·         General and Medical hygiene standards: Western countries practice high standards of hygiene & preventative care, developing nations are not as sensitive about it in some cases. LMW only uses hospitals which are government approved and practice, WHO, CDC, HEPA, OSHA and other global standards of operations. We thoroughly examine and inspect facilities before putting them on our recommendation list.
·         Counterfeit medications: It is not uncommon to find counterfeit medications in developing countries like India but Chinese laws are very strict in this regards. Our association with the Health Ministry approved facilities guarantees the authenticity and safety of drugs.
·         Proper recovery time after surgery: some people like to go home right after a successful procedure is completed. We recommend that proper time is allotted for rest and leisure to avoid potential risks such as blood clot due to flying. We believe that post-operative care is as important as the procedure itself.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) GUIDELINE FOR MEDICAL TOURISM

What You Can Do
·         If you are planning to travel to another country for medical care, see a travel medicine practitioner at least 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss general information for healthy travel and specific risks related to the procedure and travel before and after the procedure.
·         Check for the qualifications of the health care providers who will be doing the procedure and the credentials of the facility where the procedure will be done. The Joint Commission International (US-based) certifies health care facilities according to specific standards.
·         Make sure that you have a written agreement with the health care facility or the group arranging the trip, defining what treatments, supplies, and care are covered by the costs of the trip.
·         Determine what legal actions you can take if anything goes wrong with the procedure.
·         If you go to a country where you do not speak the language, determine ahead of time how you will communicate with your doctor and other people who are caring for you.
·         Obtain copies of your medical records that includes the lab and other studies done related to the condition for which you are obtaining the care and any allergies you may have.
·         Prepare copies of all your prescriptions and a list of all the medicines you take, including their brand names, their generic names, manufacturers, and dosages. Arrange for follow-up care with your local health care provider before you leave.
·         Before planning “vacation” activities, such as sunbathing, drinking alcohol, swimming, or taking long tours, find out if those activities are permitted after surgery.
·         Get copies of all your medical records before you return home.


Lead My World has stringent rules to enlist a hospital offering Medical Tourism. In China we not only assist clients to locate and qualify a healthcare facility but our medical staff monitors the hospitals as it relates to services. Dr. Ahmed Fiaz, Dr. Anwar Jamil and Dr. Khayyam Masood are heading this division of LMW. For any questions, please contact me: Najam@Leadmyworld.com    

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Viruses 

As I reflected in my article on Ebola virus, on my blog at www.leadmyworld.blogspot.com , I thought that a scientific and a layman’s definition of viruses needed more explanation. We often hear that a person’s computer was affected by a virus or that someone lost data due to a virus. Computer viruses attack computers by inserting themselves into files that were downloaded as attachments (host). They have the ability to replicate themselves as they are malware programs. These virus program writers prey on the vulnerability of the security of your computer (immune system in the world of biology) It can virtually kill your computer for good if antivirus software has not been installed to detect and destroy the malware before it does its job.
Biological viruses operate in the same way. Computer science has borrowed the term ‘Virus’ from the world of microbiology. Dr. Janet S. Butel[1] defined viruses as, “the smallest infectious agents (ranging from about 20 nm to about 300 nm in diameter) and contain only one kind of nucleic acid (RNA or DNA) as their genome. The nucleic acid is encased in a protein shell, which may be surrounded by a lipid-containing membrane. The entire infectious unit is termed a Virion. Viruses are inert in the extracellular environment; they replicate only in living cells, being parasites at the genetic level.”
Once viruses find a host, they are pretty independent and active in their tasks of destruction. They have command centers, genome organization, launch a self-replicating strategy, interact with the surface receptors of their targets and can neutralize antibodies, attack and fight a type of guerrilla warfare by playing hide and seek before eventually killing their host.
The world is becoming a global village, so viral infections are also becoming global. As we travel from continent to continent within hours, so do viral diseases. Human are not the only carriers of viral diseases. Animals and their meats that we eat can also harbor viruses. Some of the factors we ignore too easily are:
1.      Water pollution caused by changes to ecosystems and deforestation.
2.      Human to human transmissions caused by careless social and sexual behaviors.
3.      Bad hygiene caused by poverty, wars and lack of education.
4.      Disease migration due to travelling, trade and rapid transportation systems.
5.      Poor food processing, packaging, storing and shipping methods.
6.      Disease transmission by blood transfusion, contaminated medical devices and medical wastes.
7.      Virus propagation by organs and tissue transplantation.
8.       Lack of diligence due to budget cutbacks or the commercialism of healthcare.
Some of the emerging viral infections are Ebola, Nipah, Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Rift Valley fever, Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis, SARS and MERS.
Safety precaution:
Some of the reasons why the Ebola virus has become such a monster is because we have not taken lab safety precautions seriously. Governments, so far, have taken this particular virus and its deadly disposition too lightly. Had we taken the Ebola virus as seriously as we did with HIV or SARS, we would have been in control of the situation.
Here are a few tips and precautions for lab safety. The major places of transmission of viruses are labs, hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools and universities.
·         Laboratory acquired infections can occur from human pathogens, so extra precautions have to be taken into account in and around the lab environment.
·         Ingestion by mouth is a major cause. Eating in the lab should be prohibited.
·         The most common transmissions are due to the pricking of skin by needles and the careless handling of contaminated, bio-hazardous materials.
·         Splashing into eyes or nostrils and even chapped lips or micro-lesions can also cause transmission.
The best safety precautions use common sense. For example:
1.      Proper washing/scrubbing of hands
2.      Quality training on handling bio-hazardous materials like used syringes, bandages, gloves, waste and lab equipment
3.      No eating, drinking, smoking, chewing or using make up, aerosol hair sprays or inhalers in the lab
4.      Keep safety gear only in the lab in designated sanitized places and nowhere else
5.      Sterilize everything; create and follow checklists for sterilization and carefully follow all other bio-safety procedures
Spread goodness, it’s worth it.




[1] Reference: Dr. Janet S. Butel in Medical Microbiology, 25th Edition

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Common Cold vs. Flu

How often do people ignore signs of the flu? The answer is, very often. Stuffy nose, sinus, and sniffling are symptoms associated with the common cold. However, it may very well be the early signs of influenza. It comes as a shock to hear that in the USA, some “36,000 people die each year from flu related complications”. (RAND Corp. survey)

Differences between Flu and Cold

Influenza is a respiratory virus which is caused by a viral infection. The cold is also a viral infection caused by, the adenovirus or coronavirus. Flu is preventable with vaccination, whereas the common cold has to run its course. Flu season in the United States is generally between November and January. It commonly spreads from person to person. Seasonal influenza cannot be taken as lightly, since it can become an out of control epidemic. Healthcare experts have categorized seasonal influenza into 3 groups A, B and C; it is further classified as H1N1 and H3N2. Symptoms can include: sudden high fever, sore throat with dry cough, and muscle pains; some people may feel joint pain, and runny nose. Constant and severe fever can be fatal if not treated. Before discussing scientific facts, let us learn what The Center for Disease Control Atlanta (CDC) and The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends for preventing or dealing with the common cold and flu.

Prevention and handling

·        Proper hygiene and keeping yourself germ-free.
·        Wear protective clothing at the changing of seasons.
·        Getting flu shots ahead of time, unless you have an egg allergy.
·        Get plenty of rest and do not compromise your immunity.
·        Stay hydrated by drinking beverages that contain electrolytes.
·        Keep an eye on fever and your body temperature.
·        Gargle salt water to sooth your sore throat.
·        Use cough medicine, chicken broth and other OTC comforting medicines to keep your body well rested and strong enough to fight infection.
·        People with a weak immune system or chronic illness, infants and elderly, or people with medical conditions are at a higher risk to be affected, faster than healthy people. Use precautions, know your health history.
·        According to medical experts, antibiotics are weapons to fight bacterial infection. Unless, one has developed a bacterial infection alongside a viral one. Then antibiotics are not recommended, but let your family physician determine this. 
·        Antiviral medications are the most effective at the earliest stage. The moment you first feel the symptoms.
·        Consult your family physician for professional advice.
·        Viruses are known to develop resistance to antiviral medicines. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and stay conscious of your environment and the changing weather.
The World Health Organization (WHO) regularly updates its recommendations in the light of the latest research and development in disease prevention and control. Visit www.who.org or www.ced.gov to stay updated of health issues and disease prevention.  This article is written as a public service announce (PSA) on behalf of Lead My World’s academic development department. Lead my World USA’s mission is, “Spread Goodness, It’s worth it”.  For more information, please contact Najam@Leadmyworld.com





Thursday, October 2, 2014

Understanding EBOLA Virus Disease EVD  

A strange virus has appeared but it is no stranger to medical professionals. This is effectively the third major coming of Ebola. It’s shaped like a serpent with Mickey Mouse’s face but this time with a lot more venom, making a mockery of unprepared healthcare professionals as they take on it’s challenge in the battlefield of epidemiology and disease prevention. Ebola first appeared in 1976 in Nzara, Sudan, and in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. Yambuku is situated near the Ebola River.

Its first appearance did not get Ebola much attention as a major threat to human civilization. Surely, some professionals began their research work but, unfortunately, unless a virus gets a lot of bad press, healthcare professionals cannot do their jobs because, generally, the people who control research and development funds are not scientists, but rather politicians and bureaucrats.  The World Health Organization reported on September 14, 2014 that there is “No early end to Ebola outbreak in West Africa”. This did not make it as headline news in the world media, as usual.  The reported numbers of cases have now reached nearly 2000 with a close to 1100 deaths caused by the virus. By the time we have a handle on this epidemic; the numbers will be staggering and still elevating. The disease has spread from Liberia to Guinea, and Sierra Leone to Nigeria. Along with the World Health Organization (WHO), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UN World Food Program and many other organizations are monitoring and coordinating the efforts to keep the lid down on this fast spreading epidemic that could potentially engulf the World. It’s important to convey the facts surrounding this or any health threat but, more often than not, information gets lost in the translation from Medical Terminology, statistical data, and scientific lingo. Let’s understand what Ebola is;

 Ebola EVD definition by World Health Organization and CDC;

·         Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is a severe, often fatal illness in humans.
·         EVD outbreaks have a case fatality rate of up to 90%.
·         EVD outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.
·         The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.
·         Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are considered to be the natural host of the Ebola virus.
·         Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. No licensed specific treatment or vaccine is available for use in people or animals.
·          
Genus Ebola virus is 1 of 3 members of the Filoviridae family (filo virus), along with genus Marburg virus and genus Cueva virus. Genus Ebola virus comprises 5 distinct species:
1.      Bundibugyo Ebola virus (BDBV)
2.      Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV)
3.      Reston Ebola virus (RESTV)
4.      Sudan Ebola virus (SUDV)
5.      Taï Forest Ebola virus (TAFV).
BDBV, EBOV, and SUDV have been associated with large EVD outbreaks in Africa, whereas RESTV and TAFV have not. The RESTV species, found in Philippines and the People’s Republic of China, can infect humans, but no illness or death in humans from this species has been reported to date.

Symptoms

·        Sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain. Headache or sore throat with fever.
·        This viral illness is further confirmed by nausea, vomiting diarrhea and skin rash. 
·         Internal and in some cases external bleeding & impaired renal functions are also a symptom.
·        Disorderly platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes, determined by lad tests
·        The incubation period can last between 2 to over 21 days. In other words, in some cases the symptoms may not appear for that long of a period.  



Known Transmission of Disease;

 

·        Ebola is introduced to human through close contact of blood and secretion from human and animals like bats, monkeys and pigs.
·        Contact or transplantation of other bodily fluids of infected organs of human and animals
·        Direct contact between the patients and their care takers through open/ broken skin in mucous membranes.
·        Indirect contact through the environment like the affected personal items of and the body of deceased or living human who have recovered from Ebola can be a potential cause.
·        It has been reported that even 7 weeks after recovery, a person can affect his partner through unprotected sexual contact.

Preventive measures

·        According to the professional opinion of Dr. Stephen Monroe, Deputy Director of CDC, National Center for Emerging & Zoonotic Disease, Ebola does not get transmitted by a casual contact.
·        Avoid sharing needles and sexual contact
·         "Avoid blood transfusion, touching open skin or secretions of the affected persons
·        If you are a caretaker of the patient, take all necessary and professional precautions, using protective gear like gloves and covering face and eyes.
·        EVD is a bio-safety level 4 virus, testing should be done following the protocols of controlled testing environment.
·        Upon the confirmation of diagnosis, healthcare professional should begin the “contact trail” process to further warn, test and protect other possible victims.  Contact tracing protocol mandate that at least 140 people be contacted who were in contact with the patient.
·        Last but not least- Common sense rules. Use good personal and environmental hygiene. Follow health rules not your sentiments when you come in contact with an EVD affected person in the family. Isolation of a patient is a necessary step that has to be taken to protect from spreading the disease.
·        Always keep your health check records and advise people in your sphere of influence the same. Always rely on facts from the professional sources and not the media.
·        For information contact me at the International School of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Najam@ccmu.edu.cn