Abstract

EBOLA VIRUS OUTBREAK: ARE INDIAN DENTISTS PREPARED? A QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY

Dr. Ram Kumar Tirandas*, Dr. Peddagopu Shanti Priya, Dr. Rapelli Pravallika and Dr. C. Kirthi

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Abstract

This original study was conducted in the year 2015 in Kurnool region of Andhra Pradesh. Poster presentation of this original study was done at (XV) 25th National Postgraduate Convention of the Indian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial pathology, Vadodara. This original study has been awarded the session best poster award. HIV virus was first limited to West African subcontinents and soon spread in a dramatic way to the whole world. In a similar fashion, Ebola virus was spreading its virulence in the year 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016. The spread of the Ebola virus was seen in African subcontinents and soon it may invade to all other countries including India. This may lead to a high mortality rate, if no proper measurements and protocols are followed. The mortality rate is based on the virus species. Among the Ebola virus species, Zaire Ebola virus has the highest mortality rate which is 60% to 90% followed by the Sudan Ebola virus accounting for 40% to 60% mortality rate. The rarest of Ebola virus species is Bundibugyo which is accounting for 25% mortality rate as per the literature. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of Ebola virus and its virulence among 174 dentists living in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, by setting up a few questions. This article also gives an idea on the mode of transmission, clinical signs, symptoms, incubation time, management, treatment, safety measures, protocols to be followed to prevent the Ebola virus disease and other viral infections in future.

Keywords: Ebola virus disease, Awareness, Dentists, Mortality, Virulence and India.