What Is Ebola Virus?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. What Population Is Most at Risk?
The continent of Africa is the most susceptible to Ebola outbreaks. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has had at least 10 outbreaks since 1976, with one ongoing. Of the people most at risk of infection and spreading the disease, health care workers, family members of infected person’s and mourners are the most at risk.
While close contact with infected person’s automatically increases risks of infection, many people do not know that the virus remains active even after death. Therefore, only trained professionals should handle the burials of Ebola patients. Any family members who wish to say a final goodbye need to take precautions, wearing appropriate protective equipment and limiting contact with the deceased.
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