Ebola epidemic rapid test is being tested in Guinea

Ebola rapid test in Guinea gives hope

11/30/2014

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 16,000 Ebola infections have been reported worldwide, especially in the three most affected countries in West Africa. Nearly 7,000 people died of it. In the near future, a quick test for the diagnosis of Ebola will be tested in Guinea.

Nearly 7,000 Ebola dead
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of Ebola infections has exceeded 16,000. According to a news agency dpa news agency, the WHO said that the death toll from the virus is approaching 7,000. The largest outbreak of fatal infectious disease has hit three West African countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. In these three countries, 16,169 Ebola cases have been registered, according to the most recent data released on Friday. Overall, since the outbreak of the disease at the end of last year, 6,928 people died with Ebola.

Diagnosis within fifteen minutes
Since the beginning of the epidemic, reports about medical advances keep coming up. However, despite increasing research, no cure or safe vaccine has been approved. When people become infected, doctors generally treat only typical Ebola symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, as well as internal and external bleeding. But a message from England makes some hope. Like the British Foundation „Wellcome Trust“ announced on Friday, a wearable laboratory will display the virus infection in blood and saliva within 15 minutes.

Survival of patients is increased
This would drastically shorten the diagnostic time of currently about 1.5 hours. The rapid test will soon be tested in Guinea. A statement from the foundation states: „A reliable 15-minute test that confirms Ebola cases would be a key tool for effective control of the Ebola epidemic and would allow patients to be identified and treated as quickly as possible.“ You write further: „This not only increases the patient's chances of survival, but also prevents the transmission of the virus to other people.“ The portable laboratory includes solar cells and a monitor. It does not require cooling or external power supply and is therefore intended to meet the requirements of remote regions. The test in the Guinean capital Conakry is being conducted by „Wellcome Trust“ and the British Government. (Ad)