Ebola: The Big E

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first discovered in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1972 after two separate out breaks occurred. The name was derived from the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the first outbreak had occurred. However upon further study it was discovered to be similar to the Marburg virus discovered in 1967 after an outbreak occurred in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany.

Ebola Virus photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons By Thomas W. Geisbert

The Ebola virus disease is believed to be carried by fruit bats that infect people and other mammals. Among the human population and other mammals the virus is spread through coming into contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids of a person or mammal. The symptoms will usually occur after 2 to 3 weeks after coming into contact with an infected person or mammal.

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Symptoms of Ebola and Treatment of Ebola

The symptoms experienced by infected patients include muscle pains, stomach pains, headache and a Fever (100.4 ⁰F/ 38 ⁰C or higher). The symptoms may then worsen and the patient will experience vomiting, diarrhea and a rash. There will be a decrease in the functions of their liver and kidneys which will led to the patient experiencing both internal and external bleeding as well as bruising. There is no FDA-approved vaccine or medication available for the treatment of Ebola thus symptoms are treated as they arise. The patient is provided with intravenous fluids (IV), electrolytes are balanced, and the oxygen status and blood pressure are maintained. Other infection will be treated as they arise.

Recovery depends on the patient’s immune response as well as the medical care they receive. A recovered patient will develop antibodies to protect them for the next 10 years or more however re-infection by a different strain of the Ebola virus is possible and it is still unknown whether they will be immune for life. The recovering patients will however continue to have some long term problems such as joint and vision problems and a male patient may still spread the virus within the first two months after recovery through their semen. Unfortunately if the patient fails to recover death may occur in 6 to 16 days after infection mainly due to the low blood pressure from the excess fluids lost. 

How To Prevent Ebola Infections

·   Wash your hands regularly especially after coming into contacts with bush meat, an infected person     or mammal.

·        Avoid petting or handling animals in an infected region.

·        Avoid eating raw meat and thoroughly cook meat.

·        Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

·        Avoid handling items used by an infected person.

·        Wear protective clothing when dealing with an infected person or mammal.

If you suspect you have Ebola avoid coming into contact with people and get immediate medical attention.

Get more information from CDC.