Nutrition and Ebola

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The Ebola virus has hit Northeast Ohio a lot sooner than anyone thought.  During the summer, the coverage of the Ebola virus was minimal.  Now that there have been a few cases of Ebola identified in the US, it seems as though you can not avoid hearing or reading about Ebola.  The Ebola Virus Disease has devastated many communities in West Africa.  Malnutrition was and continues to be prevalent in West Africa.  When an individual is malnourished their immune system is compromised.  Therefore proper nutrition may play a vital role in combating the deadly Ebola virus. 
            The UN World Food Program (WFP) has a mission to feed over one million people in West Africa where Ebola has already killed thousands, and hunger and malnutrition is present.  Denise Brown, the Director of WFP states, “containing the virus requires a comprehensive care package including food assistance, the population must be strengthened to stop the spread of Ebola”.  The WFP is concentrating on providing food to people who may be infected and are in isolation, and it is crucial for small children to receive food since they are less resistant to the disease. 
            Healthcare workers in Northeast Ohio are now on high alert, learning how to protect themselves and how to treat a potentially affected patient.  Currently there is not a cure or treatment for Ebola.  The CDC is recommending focusing on supportive care of the complications of Ebola, including nutrition support.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-lambers/nutrition-vital-to-stoppi_b_5839540.html

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/clinician-information-us-healthcare-settings.html

AW

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