All about EBOLA
Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a type of hemorrhagic fever having a very high case fatality rate.
Ebola gets its name from the Ebola River, in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), where the disease first appeared.
SOURCE
Ebola virus has been found in African monkeys and chimps. A milder strain of Ebola has been discovered in monkeys and pigs in the Philippines. Marburg virus has been found in monkeys, chimps and fruit bats in Africa.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms start 2 days to 3 weeks after contracting the virus.
Fever
Fatigue
Head ache
Sore throat
Rash follow
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite
Eye inflammation
Joint &Muscle aches
CONSEQUENCES
Coma
Shock
Seizures
Jaundice
Delirium
Severe bleeding
Multiple organ failure
Testicular inflammation
INCUBATION
The average time between contracting the infection and the start of symptoms is 8 to 10 days, but it can vary between 2 and 21 days.
CLASSIFICATION
There are five Types of Ebola virus. Four of them cause the disease in humans.
Ebola virus is the sole member of the Zaire ebolavirus species.
Species name
• Reston ebolavirus (Doesn’t affect humans)
• Sudan ebolavirus
• Bundibugyo ebolavirus
• Taï Forest ebolavirus
• Zaire ebolavirus (Ebola)
According to the “World Health Organization” Ebola death toll is up to
5,689 out of nearly 16,000 cases in 8 countries by Nov. 23 2014.
TRANSITION
It spreads to people by getting in contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, (monkey, chimp, fruit bat).
People get contaminated by getting in touch with other contaminated persons or corps and by touching contaminated needles or surfaces.
Ebola cannot be transmitted through air, water, or food.
Infected people don't become contagious until they develop symptoms.
There's no evidence that Ebola virus or Marburg virus can be spread via insect bites.
EBOLA PREVENTION
The Ebola virus can be eliminated with heat.
(heating for 30 to 60 minutes at 60 °C or boiling for 5 minutes).
On surfaces, some lipid solvents such as some alcohol-based products, detergents, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or calcium hypochlorite (bleaching powder), and other suitable disinfectants at appropriate concentrations can be used as disinfectants.
• It is crucial to avoid any contact with infected people and consider regular hygiene as hand washing using soap and water.
• Evading any contact with infected corps as well as traditional burial rituals is a strict measure to be taken.
• Strict measures should be taken in Airports and Airline crews should isolate anyone presenting Ebola virus symptoms.
TREATMENT
There’s no cure for Ebola.
• No antiviral medications have been proven effective in treating infection with either virus.
• People diagnosed with Ebola or Marburg virus receive supportive care and treatment for complications.
• Fluids and electrolytes
• Oxygen
• Blood pressure medication
• Blood transfusions
• Treatment for infections
• Pain management
• Medications for fever
BLEEDING
In 40–50% of cases, bleeding from puncture sites and mucous membranes (e.g. gastrointestinal tract, nose, vagina and gums) has been reported.
As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop. This leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding.
In the bleeding phase, which typically starts 5 to 7 days after first symptoms, internal and subcutaneous bleeding may present itself through reddening of the eyes and bloody vomit
If the infected person does not recover, death due to multiple organ dysfunction occurs within 7 to 16 days (usually between days 8 and 9) after first symptoms.
Sources: Mayoclinic, WebMD, Wikipedia, Centers for Disease Control and prevention.
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