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The Ebola Outbreak: A Fight Against Fear and Disease

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 How Ebola Struck Africa and Its Global Impact In the dense jungles of Central Africa, a deadly virus quietly lurked among the wildlife for centuries. Little did anyone know, that this virus, known as Ebola, would one day leap from animals to humans, causing a devastating outbreak. Ebola virus disease (EVD) emerged sporadically, but when outbreaks occurred, they struck with terrifying speed and severity. The first signs of Ebola infection are flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. As the virus progresses, it can cause severe internal bleeding and organ failure. The mortality rate is shockingly high, ranging from 25% to 90% depending on the outbreak and the medical care available. This made Ebola not just a disease, but a nightmare for those affected. When Ebola outbreaks hit communities, fear spread faster than the virus itself. Entire villages could be quarantined, leaving people isolated and frightened. Health workers, clad in protective suits that resembled s

Central Africa: The Rwandan army provided free medical services to the population

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Central Africa: The Rwandan army provided free medical services to the population The Rwandan army, which is part of the (Battle Group VI), working in the mission of the United Nations in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), provided free medical services to the people of Bria, a village in Dahouga. In the event that took place on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the medical services provided focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as malaria, respiratory diseases and those with stomach problems. Residents are also screened for non-communicable diseases including blood pressure and weight, and are offered dental and eye care services. The Mayor of Bria, Mr. Maurice Balekouzou, praised the good relations and strong friendship between Rwandans and Central Africans. He also thanked the Rwandan Armed Forces who are part of the MINUSCA mission for their great support in providing medical care to the people, which improves the general well-being of the people. Lt Col Tharcisse MPFIZ

Learn about 'Hemophilia' which can cause death or disability

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 Learn about 'Hemophilia' which can cause death or disability The Hemophilia Society, together with the Rwanda Health Center (RBC), is calling on people with symptoms of the disease to seek early diagnosis to prevent death or disability. Mujawimana Clementine, who lives at Muhima in Nyarugenge, has had 4 births in total, where the babies are born with bleeding, but after finding out that she is suffering from Hemophilia, she gave up. " I always go to the doctor where my 3 children are bleeding profusely, and I take them to medicate. The child may eat a piece of cake or chew a piece of chewing gum, and start bleeding from the mouth. " Majawimana says that she and her husband do not have a problem with bleeding, but that one of her older brothers has bleeding that lasts for a long time. Nsengiyumva Amos, 29 years old, says that he was born with Hemophilia and it was difficult for him for many years while the treatment for the disease had not arrived in Rwanda (before 20
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The Challenge of Marburg Virus Disease in Africa: A Persistent Threat ⓒfrom frontiersin Since its discovery in the 1960s, Marburg virus disease has posed a serious health challenge in Africa. This rare but deadly virus belongs to the same family as Ebola virus and is believed to originate from bats. It can cause severe illness in humans, with symptoms ranging from fever, chills, and headache to severe bleeding and organ failure. Outbreaks of Marburg virus disease have occurred sporadically in several African countries, often in regions where people come into contact with bats or caves inhabited by bats. The virus can spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or tissues, making healthcare workers and family members of patients particularly vulnerable. The signs of Marburg virus disease typically appear abruptly and progress rapidly. Early symptoms resemble those of influenza, such as fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. As the disease advances, it can lead to more severe sy

The Battle Against Yellow Fever: A Tale of Two Continents

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Fighting Mosquitoes and Vaccinating Communities to Defeat Yellow Fever Yellow fever has had a significant impact on both Africa and South America from the 1960s to the present day. This viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever and headache to severe cases involving jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, and organ failure. In Africa, yellow fever outbreaks have been a recurring challenge, affecting communities across the continent. The virus thrives in tropical and subtropical regions where mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Rural areas are particularly vulnerable due to limited access to healthcare and vaccination services. Symptoms of yellow fever often start suddenly and include fever, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, some patients develop severe symptoms such as jaundice and bleeding. Without prompt medical care, yellow fever can be fatal, especial

The Eradication of Smallpox As A Triumph of Global Health

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  The Eradication of Smallpox As A Triumph of Global Health In the 1960s, smallpox was a widespread and deadly disease affecting millions around the world. Caused by the variola virus, smallpox caused high fever, body rash, and painful blisters that could lead to scarring or even death. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected individuals. Eradicating smallpox with speedboat Epidemiology Efforts to eradicate smallpox gained momentum in the 1960s with the introduction of a successful vaccine. Mass vaccination campaigns became a crucial strategy to control outbreaks and prevent the disease from spreading further. Health workers traveled to remote areas, reaching out to communities to ensure everyone received the vaccine. The signs of smallpox were distinctive: high fever followed by a rash that started on the face and spread throughout the body, turning into painful sores. Many who survived were left with deep scars, reminders of the disease

Fighting Cholera: A Global Battle for Clean Water

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 Fighting Cholera: A Global Battle for Clean Water Drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio cholera In many parts of Africa and the world, cholera is a serious illness that affects many people. It is caused by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. This bacteria can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and, if not treated quickly, even death. In Africa, where clean water can be hard to find, cholera outbreaks happen often. People who get sick with cholera can experience symptoms like watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. These signs usually start suddenly and can make someone very sick within hours. Doctors and health workers play an important role in treating cholera. They provide patients with oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and salts. This treatment helps people recover faster and prevents severe dehydration. Communities also work together to pre