Infection Prevention and Control (CPD Accredited)

Ebola and Zika Viral Infections are two viral diseases with major public health concerns but caused by different viruses, spread differently.

The Ebola virus causes the disease, with symptoms including severe hemorrhagic fever, failure of all organs, and highly significant mortalities. It is transmitted by direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or animals. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and internal bleeding. Experts say an outbreak of Ebola is usually stopped in its tracks by strict quarantine and tracing of close contacts.

The Zika virus is spread through Aedes mosquitoes. Although usually mild in adults, it is dangerous during pregnancy, as it can lead to serious conditions such as microcephaly at delivery. General symptoms commonly associated with Zika infections are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Avoidance of mosquito bites prevents the infection.