Final answer:
Healthcare providers who treat Ebola patients are at a high risk of contracting the disease due to direct contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. The correct option is (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
Healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients are at a high risk of getting sick because they may come into contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This is due to the highly contagious nature of the disease and the method by which it is transmitted, which involves direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Health-care workers need to use personal protective equipment and follow strict protocols to prevent infection. However, even with these precautions in place, the risk of transmission is still considered to be high.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is caused by a species of Ebolavirus, classified as a BSL-4, or Biosafety Level 4, pathogen. This classification indicates the highest level of biocontainment precautions due to the extreme risk to human health. In almost every outbreak, there have been infections among health-care workers, emphasizing the heightened risk for those providing patient care.
The ease of transmission of the Ebola virus was showcased throughout the 2014 epidemic in West Africa. Despite strict procedures, there were still instances of healthcare workers becoming infected. Protective measures such as the use of gloves, face protection, disposable syringes, and appropriate disinfection are crucial for those treating patients with EVD. The risk remains high for these providers as the virus can be transmitted through any contact with the infected patient's body fluids, particularly blood, or contaminated objects or surfaces.