Nutrition and Ebola
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.
AW
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