Awareness of EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) in Population of Karachi

Abstract

Ebola has become a threat for the world. It is a viral disease which is native to Africa. Animals are usually the reservoirs for the transmission of disease to humans such as fruit bats whereas human to human transmission is through contact with the body fluids. The most common manifestation of the disease is fever, sore throat, headache and bleeding resulting from hemorrhage. Currently there is no approved treatment for Ebola. The treatment is usually supportive and it can be prevented by effective controlling measures such as isolation of the patient, sanitary measures etc. The Ebola virus is fastly spreading around the world and Pakistan is at its highest risk. This survey based study aims to find the awareness about Ebola in the population of Karachi. A random sample of 200 people was selected and they were asked to fill a questionnaire about Ebola which include its cause, transmission, symptoms, cure and prevention. The results were analyzed on the basis of gender, age and occupation. Only limited people knew complete about Ebola and thus, it is concluded that effective measures should be taken to increase the awareness of Ebola in the population of Karachi.