EBOLA

EBOLA

What Is Ebola?The Ebola virus is a serious and deadly disease transmitted by animals and humans. Scientists initially detected the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 1976 in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Researchers named the disease after the Ebola River that flows in the Congo.

Although the Ebola virus has been present for more than 35 years, an outbreak occurred in March 2014 that began in West Africa. This outbreak has proven more deadly, severe, and widespread than previous outbreaks.

SYMPTOMSEarly signs and symptoms include fever, severe headache, joint and muscle aches, chills, weaknessOver time, symptoms become increasingly severe and may include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea (may be bloody), red eyes, raised rash chest pain and cough, stomach pain, severe weight loss, bleeding, usually from the eyes, and bruising (people near death may bleed from other orifices, such as ears, nose and rectum), and internal bleeding

CausesBlood: Butchering or eating infected animals can spread the viruses. Waste products: Possibly through contact with the feces or urine of the infected.Once people become infected with Ebola, they can transmit it to others if people come in contact with their breast milk, saliva, semen, sweat, or vomit.

Risk factorsTravel to Africa: You're at increased risk if you visit or work in areas where Ebola virus or Marburg virus outbreaks have occurred.Conduct animal research: People are more likely to contract the Ebola if they conduct animal research with monkeys imported from Africa or the Philippines.Provide medical or personal care: Family members are often infected as they care for sick relatives. Medical personnel also can be infected if they don't use protective gear, such as surgical masks and gloves.Prepare people for burial The bodies of people who have died of Ebola are still contagious. Helping prepare these bodies for burial can increase your risk of developing the disease.

ComplicationsAs the illness progresses, it can cause: Multiple organ failure, Severe bleedingJaundiceDeliriumSeizuresComaShock

SurvivorsFor people who survive, recovery is slow. It may take months to regain weight and strength, and the viruses remain in the body for weeks. People may experience:Hair lossSensory changesLiver inflammation (hepatitis)WeaknessFatigueHeadachesEye inflammationTesticular inflammation

How Is Ebola Treated?

The Ebola virus does not have a cure or vaccine at this time. Instead, measures are taken to keep the person as comfortable as possible. Supportive care measures include:giving medications to maintain blood pressuremanaging electrolyte balancesproviding extra oxygen, if neededproviding intravenous fluids to prevent dehydrationtreating co-existing infections and preventing other infections from occurring

Preventing EbolaIndividuals can take several precautions to protect against Ebola. These steps include:avoiding contact with blood and body fluidseducating themselves on recognizing the disease and preventing itpracticing careful hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizerrefraining from engaging in burial rituals that involve handling the body of a person who died from Ebolarefraining from handling items a person with Ebola has handled, including clothing, bedding, needles, or medical equipment

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