How can Ebola infections be curbed among healthcare workers (HCWs)?

How can Ebola infections be curbed among healthcare workers (HCWs)?.

How can Ebola infections be curbed among healthcare workers (HCWs)? I think Ebola infectivity among healthcare professionals can be curbed by using HCW survivors of Ebola as caregivers of Ebola patients.
The recent Western Africa Ebola Outbreak has indeed been the worst ever. Many people have died from the virus among HCWs. The death toll is slightly more than 4000 persons (Vogt, 2014). Out of this over 200 nurses, doctors, and other HCWs have died since June (Vogt, 2014). The infection rate is alarming according to the WHO, and it is, therefore, a prerequisite for an efficient solution to be adopted as quickly as possible.
The people who are likely to get Ebola the highest are persons in contact with infected individuals and more so the healthcare professionals who look after them. With no approved treatments or vaccines, Ebola outbreaks are lethal (Qiu et al., 2013). Numerous research studies on ways to protect HCWs from contracting the viral ailment have been done, and governments have put in place various measures but HCWs continue to lose their lives. Previous research studies on the immunity of Ebola survivors are vague, sketchy and have never been conclusive (Matsuno & Takada, 2007). Just like other viruses Ebola survivors are immune from the ailment. However, it has never been comprehensible how long the immunity lasts (Vogt, 2014). A research study conducted in 2007 on how the virus can effectively be neutralized by antibody produced in the natural human infection concluded that survivors develop a natural immunity that can last for about 10 years after Ebola infection (Qiu et al., 2013). In light of this, the utilization of serum or convalescent blood from survivors of Ebola has been successful in treating new infections. It has since been endorsed by the WHO, and it has been used in the US fruitfully. It is forth apparent that in the fight to protect HCWs from infections, in poor and highly affected regions, and the best weapon is encouraging HCW survivors to take part in caring for patients. However, more comprehensive research on Ebola survivors immunity to the illness needs to be carried out without delay.
Further and thorough research is inevitable owing to the fact that there is no approved treatment or vaccine (Matsuno & Takada, 2007). The only way to prevent more infections lies with the effectiveness of healthcare providers. With approximately 400 HCWs having contracted the deadly virus in the current outbreak, it is clear that the preventive measures are not to be fully trusted. If HCWs can be convinced and given the necessary support, it is a much better approach to reducing Ebola infections. It is an unorthodox approach to many but, in fact, the strategy has been effectively used in outbreaks such as that of measles. The research about the full immunity of Ebola survivors from contracting the illness should be conclusively done. Realizing all technicalities in this research study is imperative so as HCW survivors and the general public can be confident in their deployment.
Decisive, clear and complete research and understanding on development of protective natural resistance among Ebola survivors is a prerequisite to containing Ebola. It is saddening to see nurses who have given their all dying. This research will be a vital addition to nursing. It not only be instrumental in reducing infections but will also give nurses who have survived an opportunity to encourage their patients and to be more involved with them. This approach may be unconventional to many, but it is not a new strategy altogether.